Aldeia típica de José Franco, Clay museum village near Mafra, Portugal
This village is a detailed recreation of a traditional Portuguese rural settlement with over 300 miniature buildings including houses, workshops, and other structures from different periods. The buildings are fully furnished to show how people lived and worked in these communities.
The project was created by Portuguese sculptor José Franco in the mid-twentieth century as an expression of his commitment to preserving rural traditions. His work documented a way of life that was beginning to disappear as modernization and urbanization took hold.
The workshops display regional crafts such as pottery, weaving, and bread baking that have been part of local life for generations. You can see how these skills were woven into daily routines and what role they played in the community.
The site is located in Sobreiro near Mafra and is easy to reach by car, with a dedicated parking area for visitors. Guided tours are available to help you understand the details of the buildings and how people lived in these settlements.
Each building contains carefully crafted interiors with furniture, tools, and personal items that reflect daily life in earlier times. This attention to detail helps visitors form a clear picture of how families actually lived in these settlements.
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