Church of Santiago de Antas

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Braga > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Antas > Currais

Location

The Church of Santiago de Antas is located in the parish of Antas, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão, district of Braga, in Portugal.

History

Built in the 13th century, the church was originally part of a monastery belonging to the Order of the Knights Templar. In 1549, it became the property of the Order of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, and although the monastery disappeared, the church remained and is currently a parish church.

Architectural Style

The Church of Santiago de Antas presents a late Romanesque architectural style with some Gothic elements.

Exterior Features

The church has a simple layout and does not have large monumental or extravagant elements. The main portal consists of four slightly pointed archivolts, supported by four columns with capitals carved in Gothic style. Above the portal, there is a polyocular rose window. The church has two bell towers on each face with similar cutouts. There is also a portal to the south with crudely anthropomorphic capitals.

Interior

The interior consists of a single nave that ends in a triumphal arch in the ogival style. The arch is supported by four half-columns with capitals richly decorated with geometric, vegetal, and animal motifs. In the chancel, it is possible to find paintings, images of the four Evangelists, gilded carvings, and a coffered ceiling decorated with gold, the result of later campaigns, including the Baroque period. The side walls are covered with carpet tiles.

Classification

The Church of Santiago de Antas is a Property of Public Interest, recognized by Decree No. 42,007 of December 6, 1958.

Comparison with Other Churches

In terms of elevation, the church is compared to the Church of Roriz, which is from the same period.

Access to the Parish Museum of Sacred Art

Through an ogival door, it is possible to access the Parish Museum of Sacred Art, located in the bell tower.

Cultural Importance

The Church of Santiago de Antas is a significant piece of the region's architectural history, representing characteristics of the late Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its simplicity and decorative richness in the interior make it a culturally enriching visit for tourists interested in sacred art and religious history.

Carpet Tiles

The tiles covering the side walls are remarkable and represent an important example of Portuguese tile art.

Parish Museum of Sacred Art

Access to the Parish Museum of Sacred Art, located in the church's bell tower, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore valuable religious objects and artifacts and better understand the history of the region and the church itself.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Santiago_de_Antas

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