Church of Saint Marina of Real

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Aveiro > Castelo de Paiva > Real > Crasto

Location

The Church of Santa Marinha is located in the Crasto area, in the locality of Real, part of the municipality of Castelo de Paiva. It is situated on a slightly elevated point, on a platform that serves as its churchyard. This outdoor space is delimited by a granite stone wall with balustrades and iron gates. Access is via staircases at the front and side, where some sculptures can be seen.

Its surroundings are a mixed environment, with some dwellings nearby and cultivated areas, lending it a certain prominence in the peri-urban context in which it is situated.

Brief History and Heritage Value

Built in 1737, the Church of Santa Marinha de Real is one of the oldest temples in the municipality of Castelo de Paiva. Over the centuries, it has undergone various interventions and adaptations, maintaining its original function as a parish church.

Recognizing its historical and artistic importance, the building was classified as a Monument of Public Interest in June 2023. This classification encompasses not only the church's structure, but also the artistic heritage found within, as well as the churchyard and the staircase that provides access to it.

Architecture and Churchyard

The church features a rectangular plan, with the main nave, chancel, sacristy, and a bell tower attached laterally. Its construction, begun in the 18th century, exhibits characteristics that blend architectural influences, with elements that allude to the Mannerist style on the main facade, such as the pediment finish and the tripartite arrangement of the windows.

On the exterior, the main portal stands out with its niche housing the image of the patron saint. A distinctive element of particular interest in the churchyard are the six stone sculptures representing different figures of apostle saints, lending a special character to the temple's outdoor space.

Artistic Details in the Interior

The interior of the Church of Santa Marinha reveals a remarkable Baroque splendor, visible in the richness of its integrated decoration. The altarpieces present in the temple are in Rococo style, with finishes in carved wood painted to imitate marble and with gilded applications.

One of the most striking features is the painting that decorates the ceiling of the main nave. Dating from 1776, this painting is composed of elaborate cartouches and frames depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ, adorned with typical decorative elements of the period, such as rocaille and acanthus. The chancel features blue and white tile wainscoting on the walls, and both the nave and the chancel have wooden false vaulted ceilings. The interior space is further enriched by the pulpits and the choir loft, also with wooden elements and painted decorations.

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