Sanctuary of Our Lady of Conception

Category: Religious Architecture > Sanctuary

District: Aveiro > Arouca > Escariz > Belide

Location

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição stands in a tranquil rural area, in the locality of Escariz, in Belide, Arouca municipality. Its carefully walled churchyard, paved with Portuguese cobblestones, is accessible by a staircase from a square that houses a cruzeiro (stone cross). The serene surroundings of the sanctuary provide an environment conducive to reflection and contemplation of the landscape.

Architecture and Exterior Details

This sanctuary presents a harmonious fusion of architectural elements from the 16th and 18th centuries, exhibiting features of both Renaissance and Baroque styles. Its main façade, built in granite with ashlar masonry, stands out for its arched entrance portal, framed by Tuscan pilasters and topped by a triangular pediment. On the upper cornerstones of the portal, medallions with the Cross of the Order of Malta are visible, a sign of its ancient connection to this important order. On the right side façade, a door passes through the stonework, and on the left gable, two circular medallions with busts, one male and one female, suggest reused elements from earlier periods. The bell tower, which rises to the right, completes the exterior ensemble.

The Interior and Its Artistic Heritage

Upon crossing the portal, visitors find an interior space marked by a single nave, which leads to the chancel. At the top of the triumphal arch, a niche houses an image of Our Lady with the Child, in limestone, dated from the 15th-16th centuries, attributed to a Coimbra workshop. The pulpit, with its decorated stone basin and turned wooden balustrade, is a notable example of 18th-century carving. The altarpieces, both the main and collateral ones, are in gilded, white, and blue carving, with twisted columns. The main altarpiece also displays the coat of arms of the Commander of the Order of Malta, signaling its importance. The internal wooden ceilings of the nave and chancel are curved and painted in shades of blue and brown, giving the space a welcoming atmosphere. In the sacristy, an inscription from 1763 commemorates the Brotherhood of Souls.

Historical Connection with the Order of Malta

The history of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição is intrinsically linked to the Order of Malta. The current building, constructed in the late 16th century, replaced an older structure. Throughout the 18th century, the sanctuary underwent significant reforms and expansions, particularly in the chancel. The presence of the cross of the Order of Malta, visible both on the main façade and on a stone in the churchyard, underscores the role of this religious and military order in the management and development of the parish throughout the centuries. This connection gives the place a particular historical and cultural dimension, reflecting a period of great influence of this order in the region.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt