Church of Our Lady of Help

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Aveiro > Ovar > Válega > Roçadas de Espinhos

Location

The Church of Nossa Senhora do Amparo is located in the village of Válega, in the municipality of Ovar, more precisely in the area of Roçadas de Espinhos. It is situated in a serene environment, slightly set apart from the urban center, flanked by its walled churchyard. To the west, it has the parish cemetery and to the south, the Parish House, lending it an atmosphere of tranquility and introspection.

A Vibrant Tile Facade

What immediately catches the eye about this church is its main facade, entirely covered with polychrome tile panels. These tiles, produced by Fábrica Aleluia de Aveiro, display figures and an intense color palette, giving the temple remarkable uniqueness in the Portuguese architectural landscape. In contrast, the side and rear facades feature a more sober pattern of blue and white tiles. The building's westward orientation allows the rays of the setting sun to fall directly on the facade, further enhancing the vibrancy of its hues.

Artistic Richness Inside

Upon passing through the portal, visitors are greeted by an interior that complements the exterior beauty with its own artistic richness. The nave ceiling, in particular, is notable for its exotic wood coffers, which create a sense of grandeur and welcome. The interior walls of the nave and chancel are adorned with figured tile panels, also from Fábrica Aleluia, and marble wainscoting. Highlight elements include the colorful stained-glass windows that fill the apertures, filtering light in a unique way, and the ancient Ançã stone baptismal font, dating from the early 16th century, located just inside the entrance.

A Testament to Centuries

The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Amparo is long and marked by transformations. Although there are references to earlier places of worship, the construction of the temple in its current location began in 1746, a work that spanned over a century. Throughout the 20th century, the church underwent several significant interventions that defined its current image. A striking example is the tile panel of Nossa Senhora do Amparo, placed on the exterior of the chancel in 1942, a work signed by the renowned atelier of Jorge Colaço. Later, in 1975, architect Januário Godinho was responsible for the design of the tiles covering the side and rear elevations, consolidating the visual identity observed today.

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