Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Braga > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Corredoura
The church stands in Corredoura, a small rural cluster within the municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso, on a slightly elevated point that dominates the Cávado river valley. The temple is isolated, surrounded by retaining walls that define a gently sloping churchyard.
This setting offers a wide perspective over the rural surroundings, with fields and pine forests stretching as far as the eye can see. Its position at the top of the churchyard highlights the south facade, which faces the landscape, giving visitors a sense of tranquility and isolation.
Although its current form dates from the 18th century, references to a church in São João de Rei date back to the 11th century. It is known that the site received a royal charter in 1228 and maintained its municipal status until the mid-19th century, after which it was integrated into Póvoa de Lanhoso.
Traces of earlier periods appear inside, where a pre-Romanesque capital now serves as the base for the holy water font, recalling the site's long religious tradition. Over the centuries, the temple underwent interventions, notably in the 1880s and 1930s, but maintained its longitudinal plan and intimate connection to the community.
The building features a single nave and chancel, articulated by a granite chancel arch. Inside, highlights include the carved altarpiece in the national style, which has a strong presence on the end wall, and the painted wooden ceiling forming a barrel vault.
On the main facade, covered with recent tiles, the portal stands out with its triangular pediment and circular oculus above, framed in granite ashlar. The bell tower, independent of the church's main body, displays two full-arch openings and classic-inspired finial adornments.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.62249144022782,-8.293023749545446
Coordinates DMS: 41°37'21.0"N 08°17'34.9"W
Weather Corredoura
On-duty Pharmacy Corredoura
