Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Braga > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Gondifelos
The Parish Church of Saints Felix and Marina is located in the town of Gondifelos, part of the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão.
Situated within a more built-up area of the parish, this church stands as a landmark in the local landscape, marking the heart of the Gondifelos community.
This church has the particularity of being dedicated to two saints, Saint Felix and Saint Marina. This dual devotion reflects the origin of the current parish, which resulted from the historical union of two distinct parishes: Saint Felix of Gondifelos and Saint Marina of Vicente.
It is believed that this merger occurred in the early 17th century. The previous parish church of Saint Marina was located in an area currently known as Igreja Velha (Old Church), near the ancient Castro de Penices, evidencing the continuity of the site as a religious landmark in the region throughout time.
The church building presents a considerable volume, with a predominantly rectangular shape. Its main facade displays lines characterized by sobriety.
Above the main entrance door, a large window stands out, flanked by two small oculus windows. At the top of the facade, a small pediment houses the sculptures of the patron saints.
Adjoined to the left side wall, the bell tower rises. It is divided into three levels, including a passage arch at the base, an intermediate space with a clock face, and the upper level where the bell chambers are located. The tower culminates in a pyramidal spire, decorated at the bottom by a balustrade and pinnacles at the corners.
Inside, the church is organized around seven main altarpieces, distributed throughout the main altar, sides of the chancel arch, sides of the nave, and in collateral chapels. The space of the former confessionals has been adapted to house six altars dedicated to various saints.
The main altar occupies the entire back wall, creating a striking vertical plane with a pearl-white finish. It is framed by four pink-toned marble columns and adorned with gilded carving inlays. In the center, there is a large Crucifix, flanked by the images of the patron saints.
Other notable altars include those dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Joseph of the Boots, with images dating back to the 17th century, as well as the altar of Our Lady of Fátima and the Sacred Hearts.
The church houses various pieces of sacred art of interest. The images of Saint Felix and Saint Marina, venerated at the main altar, date from the 18th century and are notable for their execution, depicting the saints with their traditional attributes, such as the palm of martyrdom and sacred books.
One of the artistic highlights is the Altar of the Lord of the Steps (Senhor dos Passos), set back in a recess. This altarpiece features rich and meticulous carving, where gilding overlays a light background, creating a distinct visual effect.
The nave ceiling is also noteworthy, with a painting illustrating a celestial scene where Saint Felix and Saint Marina receive crowns from angels, symbolizing their sanctity.
The Church of Gondifelos is the center of important celebrations in the local calendar. Annually, the community celebrates Saint Sebastian, the secondary patron of the parish, in a feast that traditionally involves the parish youth and takes place on January 20th or the nearest Sunday.
Every four years, in leap years, the church hosts the festivities in honor of the Divine Holy Spirit, celebrated on Pentecost Sunday, bringing the community together in a significant religious and cultural tradition.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.4199328,-8.6018474
Coordinates DMS: 41°25'11.8"N 08°36'6.7"W
Weather Gondifelos
On-duty Pharmacy Gondifelos
