Castanheira do Vouga Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Aveiro > Águeda > Igreja > Castanheira do Vouga

Location:

The Church of Castanheira do Vouga is located in the center of the village of Igreja, a place that is part of the Union of Parishes of Belazaima do Chão, Castanheira do Vouga and Agadão, in the municipality of Águeda.

Prominently featured in the landscape, the church stands in a square that serves as a central point for the community. Its setting is predominantly rural, surrounded by agricultural land and scattered houses, conveying a sense of tranquility and authenticity.

Exterior Architecture:

The religious building features a Mannerist design, visible in its constructive and decorative elements. The facades are plastered and painted white, contrasting with the granite stonework present in the quoins, the plinth, and the finishes.

The main facade stands out with its portal, featuring an unusually shaped arch, flanked by pilasters and topped by a broken curved pediment. To the left, the bell tower with two registers catches the eye, displaying arched windows on the upper floor and crowned by a stone balustrade with pinnacles at the corners.

The Splendor of Gilded Woodcarving:

Upon entering the church, visitors are confronted with the richness of its interior, dominated by the exuberance of gilded and polychrome woodcarving, characteristic of the Joanine Baroque style of the 18th century. The main, lateral, and collateral altarpieces are true works of art, replete with details, angels, volutes, and elaborate columns.

The main altarpiece, in the chancel, is particularly notable, with an imposing three-axis structure and a tabernacle decorated with the representation of the Lamb of God. The lateral and collateral altarpieces display varied themes and symmetrical compositions, demonstrating the mastery of the artists of the era.

Ceilings and Historic Tiles:

The interior ceilings of the nave and chancel are made of wood, divided into numerous painted coffers. Those in the nave include a set of five panels with thematic paintings alluding to the Scenes of the Passion of Christ, a visual element of great impact. The remaining coffers, both in the nave and the chancel, are decorated with floral motifs and what are known as concheados (shell motifs).

On the walls of the nave, a dado of polychrome patterned tiles, with phytomorphic designs, runs along the base, adding a touch of color and tradition to the space. The flooring combines granite slabs and wood.

Unique Details:

The Church of Castanheira do Vouga features some distinguishing details. The columns supporting the choir loft have the peculiarity of having the holy water fonts integrated into the shaft, an unusual architectural detail.

The former sacristy, one of the structures attached to the nave, has been adapted to function as a small Museum of Sacred Art, allowing visitors to closely appreciate some pieces from the church's and parish's collection.

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