Casa dos Nichos

Casa dos Nichos is a fifteenth-century house on Rua de Viana in Viana do Castelo, in northern Portugal. Today it hosts an archaeology museum showing part of the municipality's collection, from prehistory through the Iron Age to the Roman period. It is a small but rewarding stop while exploring the town.

Why is it called Casa dos Nichos?

The name means "House of the Niches" and comes from the façade. At the level of the main front there are two Gothic sculptures topped by canopies. They are high-relief scenes of the Annunciation, and they give the house its distinctive look among the neighbouring buildings.

What is the history of the building?

The house is more than 500 years old. Over the centuries it served as a residence, a commercial premises and a beverage warehouse. The city council later bought it, restored it, and in 2008 turned it into a museum centre devoted to the archaeology of Viana do Castelo. One of the town's oldest buildings thus gained a new purpose and became open to visitors.

What can you see inside?

The permanent exhibition presents part of the municipal archaeological collection, with emphasis on three periods: prehistory, the Iron Age and Romanization. The display has a strong educational focus, and visitors can use multimedia resources to learn about local heritage. Sites covered include:

• the citânia of Santa Luzia, an Iron Age settlement site,
• the medieval tombs of Santa Maria de Geraz do Lima,
• the rock carvings of Carreço.

Casa dos Nichos works as an educational extension of the Municipal Museum, dedicated to presenting the archaeological heritage of the Viana do Castelo region. Educational activities are also held here.

How to plan a visit

The museum stands in the historic centre on Rua de Viana, so it is easy to combine with a walk through town. According to municipal information, admission is free and it is open Monday to Friday, 9:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:00. Check the town council's website before you go, as hours may change.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to Casa dos Nichos free? According to municipal information, yes.

What is inside? An archaeology exhibition on prehistory, the Iron Age and Romanization, with multimedia resources.

How old is the building? It dates from the fifteenth century, so it is over five hundred years old.

Why is it called "Casa dos Nichos"? After the two Gothic sculptures in niches on its façade, depicting the Annunciation.