1 – House of Culture
The Municipal Museum of Ribeira Grande is housed in the old manor house of São Vicente Ferreira and presents several exhibits of great cultural interest, such as: archaeological exhibits, tiles and daily trades from the recent past (shoemakers, cabinetmakers, weavers and woodworkers). In addition, you will find here the nativity scene of Prior Evaristo Gouveia, a busy nativity scene that deserves your visit.
Rua São Vicente Ferreira, nº10 | 296 470 736 | Monday to Friday 9:00/17:00 | Closed on weekends
2 – House of Arcane
The Casa do Arcano houses a 19th century work of art, the Arcano. This masterpiece was classified as the 1st Regional Treasure in 2009 and was built by Mother Margarida do Apocalipse. The house is a testimony to the life and work of the mother and the Arcanum features various scenes from the old and new testaments. It features hundreds of small figures throughout its 3 floors, all of them hand-molded and made from flour, rice, animal gelatin, gum, and ground glass.
Rua João D’Horta | 296 470 763 | Monday to Friday 9:00/17:00 | Closed on weekends
3 – Museum of Azorean Emigration
The Museum of Azorean Emigration (MEA) presents objects, written documentation, photographic and audiovisual material where you can follow the evolution of emigration from the Azores, throughout the XIX and XX centuries. This phenomenon took place mainly to the United States of America, Canada, Bermuda, Brazil, Hawaii, among many other destinations.
Rua do Estrela | 296 470 770 | Monday to Friday 9:00/17:00 – Saturday 10:00 to 13:00/14:00 to 17:00 | Closed on Sunday
4 – Living Museum of Franciscanism
Opened in 2013, this museum is located in the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (also known as the Church of the Friars). Here, you can admire the church and its tower, the sacred art inserted inside the church, the image of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Terceiros, documentation linked to the Third Order of St. Francis and the cloister of the former convent of the friars who used this space.
Rua São Francisco | 296 470 730 | Monday to Friday 9:00/17:00 – Closed on weekends
5 – Ribeiragrandense Theater
The Ribeiragrandense Theater was first built in 1920 and has been operating since 1922. Its construction was completed in 1933. Over the years it became a real show room, hosting the most varied cultural events. In 1988 it was acquired and remodeled by the local government. Its show room and its facade are highly representative architectural elements, marking the presence of various cultural and stylistic characteristics.
Largo 5 de outubro | 296 470 340 | Monday to Friday 9:00/17:00
6 – City Hall
The City Hall is classified as ‘Property of Public Interest’ since 1984 and is located in the historic center of the city. Inside the oldest part of the building, there is a stained glass window with the figure of D. Manuel I and a magnificent noble hall with several tile panels. These panels evoke themes of everyday life in Ribeira Grande and some of its cultures. Water mills, St. Peter’s horseback riding, Holy Spirit, tea industry and the municipal coat of arms.
Largo Conselheiro Hintze Ribeiro | 296 470 730 | Monday to Friday from 8:30/12:30 and 13:30/16:30
7 – Municipal Archive
The Municipal Archive of Ribeira Grande exists since August 4th of 1507 and presents a space, of public service, with excellent conditions for all the citizens of Ribeira Grande. It presents a great volume of documentation suitable for researchers, a children’s playroom and a place for internet access.
Rua Sousa e Silva nº7 | 296 470 732 | Monday to Friday from 9:00/17:00
8 – Daniel de Sá Municipal Library
The Daniel de Sá Municipal Library is the result of the reconstruction of an 18th century building and was inaugurated in 2014. It houses several thousand books and has received several donations of copies, thus enriching its offer and collection. It is an ideal space for research, work and study.
Largo das Freiras | 296 474 357 | Monday to Friday 9:00/17:00
Get to know Ribeira Grande and all its built heritage with the following cultural tour:
