Extremadura González Santana Ethnographic Museum

The Extremadura González Santana Ethnographic Museum is accommodated in three buildings of great historical and artistic importance. In first place, the solid Keep, commissioned by D. Alfonso I in 1332 built over the old Templar Fortress of Olivenza. In second place, the so-called King's Bakery, an 18th-century building which exemplifies the Portuguese Neo-Classicism promoted by the Marquis of Pombal after the earthquake that devastated Lisbon in 1755. And, in third and last place, the Farming Chamber building, a beautiful specimen of Viennese secessionist architecture from the beginning of 20th century.

Inside the walls, elements donated from two private collections have been on display since 1980, like the ethnographic one, "González Santana" which makes up most of the museum material, and the archaeology one, "Margarita Navarrete". In the collection of ethnographic pieces, you will find items from everyday use, pottery, wine cellars, oil mills, shoemakers, barbers, etc. For its part, the archaeology room holds the remains of different settlements and cultures that have existed in the region of Olivenza. Don't leave without taking a look at the foundation stone of Olivenza Castle, which is to be found in this room.

In the sacred art room you can see the chasubles made of lamé and gold from 17th century, along with the gold and silverware or the polychrome sculptures from 18th century, which belonged to a Franciscan convent that used to be in the town. You can also view two paintings on board from the old main altarpiece in the Church of La Magdalena.