Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Braga > Esposende > Belinho e Mar > Belinho
The Parish Church of Belinho is situated in the area of Belinho, part of the union of parishes of Belinho and Mar, in the municipality of Esposende. The building is located in an elevated churchyard relative to the road, adapting to the terrain's slope. This outdoor space, paved with traditional Portuguese cobblestones, offers a tranquil and secluded environment, characteristic of the surrounding rural landscape. Behind the church, the parish cemetery is located.
The parish of Belinho has an ancient history, with documented references dating back at least to the 11th century. The current parish church, which can be visited today, is a more recent construction, inaugurated in the year 1897. Although the main building dates from the 19th century, the Christian presence on the site and the parish community itself have much deeper roots in the region.
The church features a predominantly neoclassical architectural style. The main facade stands out for its symmetrical structure and decorative elements in stonework, such as the entrance portal, the window frames, and the pilasters at the corners. Above the portal, a niche housing the image of the parish patron saint is visible. The bell tower, attached to one side, rises three stories high and is topped by a peculiar bulbous dome.
Upon entering the church, visitors find an interior with white-painted walls and granite elements, such as the nave and chancel floor. The wooden coffered ceilings add a touch of distinction. The gilded and polychrome altarpieces, both the main one in a revivalist style and the side ones in a neoclassical design, are points of great artistic interest. One of the most unique interior spaces is a side chapel designed to evoke the ambiance of a grotto, in an allusion to the Virgin of Lourdes.
Next to the gate providing access to the churchyard, a wayside cross stands. This monument, built on a stepped base that follows the terrain's slope, has a plinth where the date 1677 is engraved. The wayside cross is a testament to the site's older history and complements the visit to the parochial complex, marking the entrance to the sacred space.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.5886213,-8.782706
Coordinates DMS: 41°35'19.0"N 08°46'57.7"W
Weather Belinho e Mar
On-duty Pharmacy Belinho e Mar
