Sociedade Martins Sarmento, Cultural institution in Guimarães, Portugal.
The Sociedade Martins Sarmento occupies a building with Gothic cloisters originating from the former Convent of São Domingos, completed in 1967. Inside, visitors find archaeological objects from local excavations and extensive collections spanning different periods.
The society was founded in 1881 and established its archaeological museum in 1885, displaying finds from the Citânia de Briteiros and Castro de Sabroso excavation sites. These early digs were crucial for understanding ancient settlement patterns in the region.
The institution maintains a library holding documents from the 12th century and important local records that reflect the area's long past. Visitors can see how these materials connect to the life and development of this part of Portugal.
The institution opens Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00, with different hours on Sundays. Plan to spend time exploring the rooms and collections, and check hours ahead of your visit since schedules may vary.
The building itself comes from a former monastery and preserves the Gothic architecture and gardens of that era. This setting creates a special space where history lives through the very walls and rooms that visitors walk through.
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