International Day for Monuments and Sites

Last Saturday, April 18th, the Municipality of Almeida celebrated International Monuments and Sites Day, in collaboration with ICOMOS Portugal and the Cultural Heritage Institute, with a diverse set of initiatives that mobilized the local community and visitors around the appreciation of historical and cultural heritage.

In Vilar Formoso, the Peace Border – Memorial to Refugees and Consul Aristides de Sousa Mendes organized a series of activities and, through a playful and educational approach, adults and young people were able to explore the six areas of the Memorial in a dynamic way. The initiative's main objective was to raise community awareness of the importance of values such as freedom and solidarity.

In Almeida, the Fortified Castle was the setting for the activity "Complete your postcard!", which encouraged the discovery of different cultural spaces in the town. Throughout the day, participants visited various points of interest, collecting stickers that gave shape to an illustrated postcard, in an initiative that combined heritage and creativity.

The Almeida Historical-Military Museum (MHMA) also played a significant role in the activity "Get to Know the Soldier's Backpack!", which transported visitors back to the year 1810. Through the exploration of objects essential to a soldier of that time, it was possible to draw parallels with current emergency kits, prompting reflections on survival in different historical contexts.

During the afternoon, the Interpretation Centre of the Fortified Border Fortresses (CIFAR) hosted the activity “Nineteenth-Century Pharmacopoeia”, which aroused great interest among the public. The session included demonstrations of 19th-century medical practices, providing an immersive and educational experience, with moments of interaction that brought participants closer to the reality of medicine in another era.

The program proved to be a success, with significant participation and positive feedback from attendees. With these initiatives, the Municipality of Almeida reinforced its commitment to the promotion and preservation of heritage, marking the date with activities that combined knowledge, community involvement, and the enhancement of local identity.