Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Braga > Vila Verde > Aboim da Nóbrega > Lugar de Cabo
The Church of Aboim da Nóbrega is located in the parish of Aboim da Nóbrega, in the municipality of Vila Verde. It is situated in an area further north of the village, in a large, grassy space known as Lugar de Cabo or Lugar da Igreja (Place of the Cape or Place of the Church). This area functions as a kind of central square for the church, surrounded by some buildings, cultivated fields, and paths. In the immediate vicinity of the church, one can observe a fountain, a bandstand, and a wayside cross, elements that complement the rural and picturesque atmosphere of the site.
The church, which serves as the parish church, has its origins in the 16th century. Over time, it received additions and modifications that give it varied architectural characteristics, predominantly Mannerist, but also with Baroque and Neoclassical influences. It features a longitudinal plan, with a porch at the entrance, a single nave, and the chancel arranged in a straight line. The quadrangular bell tower is attached laterally, as are a chapel and the sacristies.
The main façade stands out with its full-arch portal, adorned with fluting. Above it, a large window allows light into the interior. A significant addition to the original structure was the side chapel dedicated to Saint Michael, built in 1647 at the initiative of João Soares Vibas, a nobleman who was also a Knight of the Order of Christ. The pulpit dates from 1692, while the tiles and some of the altarpieces seen today were placed in the 19th century.
Upon entering, the richness of the interior decoration captures attention, with particular emphasis on the polychrome carving present in the altars and altarpieces. The ceilings of the nave and the chancel are elements of great artistic value. They are wooden ceilings, worked in painted coffers, surrounded by gilded carving frames representing foliage and cherubs. In the nave, the paintings in the coffers illustrate episodes from the life of Mary, while in the chancel they depict passages from the Passion and death of Jesus Christ.
Other notable pieces inside include the Mannerist pulpit, with a base decorated with geometric elements, and the arcaz (large cabinet) in the sacristy, made of black wood. The choir loft has a pipe organ, and there are polychrome carved torch-bearing angels next to the main altarpiece. The interior walls feature a wainscot of stamped tiles, in blue and white tones in the nave and blue and yellow in the chancel. Among the various revered images, that of the patroness, Our Lady of the Assumption, is particularly relevant.
The history of the Church of Aboim da Nóbrega is deeply linked to the Military Order of Malta. In ancient times, before becoming the parish church, it functioned as a convent of Benedictine nuns. For a long period, Aboim da Nóbrega was a couto (privilege area/sanctuary) and a Commandery of this important Order. A visible testament to this historical connection is etched into the building itself: the presence of Maltese crosses carved at several points, such as on the main façade and the bell tower.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.7492041,-8.3919822
Coordinates DMS: 41°44'57.1"N 08°23'31.1"W
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