Parish Church of Ouca

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Aveiro > Vagos > Ouca > Vagos e Santo António

Location

The Parish Church of Ouca is located in the town of Ouca, an integral part of the Vagos and Santo António area, in the municipality of Vagos. The building is situated within the urban environment of the settlement, serving as one of its central reference points.

Historical Background

The site where the church stands has a long history, with records of a primitive building dating back to the 15th century. This underwent a reformulation in the 18th century, becoming a chapel. However, due to the impossibility of restoring the 18th-century structure, it was decided to build a new temple. The church we see today was inaugurated on August 14, 1977, marking a new era for the parish of Ouca, which was established in 1956.

Architectural Features

The design of the current church, signed by architect Pedro Corujo Bernardes in 1974, features a modernist language. Its plan is trapezoidal, and the main facade includes a covered porch that frames the bell tower and provides shelter to the entrance. Inside, the spatial organization reflects post-conciliar guidelines, seeking to create an assembly gathered around the altar. The exposed concrete structure of the nave gives the building a contemporary appearance.

Artistic Collection

Inside the church, one can find a collection of sacred art pieces that bear witness to the community's religious history. Noteworthy are some images from previous temples, such as the polychrome limestone image of Saint Martin, dating from the 15th century. There are also images from the 16th-17th centuries, namely those of Saint Sebastian and Saint Thomas, as well as a wooden image of Our Lady of Virtues from the 18th century. The artistic heritage is enriched by more recent processional images, created by sculptors José Ferreira Thedim (Lord of the Steps, Virgin of Solitude, and Sacred Heart of Jesus) and Luciano Thedim (Saint Joseph). This collection of ancient art, displayed in the context of modern architecture, constitutes one of the site's points of interest.

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