Vilela Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Braga > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Vilela > Telhado

Location:

The Church of Vilela is located in the town of the same name, Vilela, which is part of the municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso. It is situated in the area known as Telhado, integrated into the urban fabric of the parish, serving as a central point in the local landscape.

Origin and Antiquity

The building of the Church of Vilela, as it is seen today, has its origin documented in the year 1764. This date marks the construction of the parish church in its present form, representing an important phase in the development of the community and its main religious space.

The Cruzeiro

In the vicinity of the church, and complementing its presence, stands a cruzeiro (stone cross). This stone element, with historical and symbolic value, bears the date of 1684. Being older than the current church, the cruzeiro is a testament to the antiquity of devotion in the area.

Historical Context of the Parish

Historically, the parish of Vilela held a particular status. Ancient documents refer to it as an abbey of competition (abadia de concurso), under the presentation of the Mitra (Bishopric). This historical condition underscores the relevance of the local religious community and its church over time, reflecting its position in the ecclesiastical organization of yesteryear.

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