Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Aveiro > Oliveira de Azeméis > São Martinho da Gândara > Herdade
The Church of São Martinho da Gândara is located in a predominantly rural area, characterized by cultivated fields and dispersed settlement. It is situated on a low and flat site, with its walled churchyard bordering the parochial cemetery on the South and West sides. The surroundings convey a sense of tranquility and connection to the local landscape.
The history of the Church of São Martinho dates back to ancient times, with records of its existence as early as the year 1002. However, the current building has its origins in the 18th century. After the primitive church was found to be in ruins, it was decided to build a new temple. Construction began in 1771, under the direction of master João Ferreira, from Aveiro.
Construction took place over several years and in phases. The nave was completed and blessed on November 12, 1780, allowing worship in the new structure, although the original chancel, located nearby, was still in use. The complete conclusion of the building, with the inauguration of the current chancel, only happened much later, on July 23, 1916, finalizing the work initiated in the 18th century.
The church features Baroque-style architecture, with a longitudinal plan comprising the main nave, the chancel, and annexed bodies for the sacristies. The main facade, facing West, is flanked by pilasters and displays a unique curved lintel portal, framed by Ionic pilasters.
One of the most notable elements of the facade is its cladding. The front is decorated with blue and white tiles, featuring carpet patterns and figurative panels flanking the portal. The bell tower, with a quadrangular plan and attached to the facade, is also covered with white tiles in two of its registers, topped by a bulbous spire. The lateral and rear facades complete the ensemble, with molded openings and the presence of crosses at the gable vertices.
Upon entering, visitors find a space with a windbreak and the choir loft resting on a depressed arch and a groin vault. The nave floor is made of wood, complemented by a wainscoting of tiles along the walls. The side walls are marked by various decorated openings, including spaces for confessionals, side doors, windows, and the arches framing the side altarpieces.
Two pulpits, with stone basins and painted wooden railings, stand out in the nave. The triumphal arch connecting the nave to the chancel, as well as the two lateral altarpiece arches, are striking structural and decorative elements. The altarpieces inside are made of carved wood, painted in white, gold, and blue, contributing to the artistic richness of the space. The ceilings differ between the nave, which has a polygonal-sectioned wooden coffered ceiling, and the chancel, which features a round stucco ceiling.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.8558978,-8.5332946
Coordinates DMS: 40°51'21.2"N 08°31'59.9"W
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