Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Bragança > Torre de Moncorvo > Torre de Moncorvo > Centro

Location

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption stands in the heart of Torre de Moncorvo's historic center, lending a striking presence to the town. Situated on a steeply sloping plot, its grandeur is accentuated by a wide churchyard that precedes it, adorned with pinnacles that guide the eye to the main facade. Its central location makes it a landmark and one of the historic cores of the village, from which various paths unfold.

An Imposing and Centuries-Old Edifice

The construction of this Basilica, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, patron saint of the town, began in 1544, extending for approximately a century until its completion. Built predominantly of granite, its size is remarkable, being recognized as one of the largest parish churches in Portugal. Its facade is dominated by a robust and prominent tower, which accentuates the verticality of the building, giving it a distinctive architectural presence on Moncorvo's skyline.

Architectural Details and Exterior Curiosities

The Basilica's exterior reveals a wealth of details that deserve careful observation. The granite is meticulously worked, highlighting the gargoyles with varied forms, from zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figures to hybrid beings in peculiar poses, whose primary function is to drain rainwater. The side portals, both in Renaissance style, are particularly interesting: the South portal displays the date 1567, flanked by medallions with carved faces that some interpret as portraits of the architects of the time. On the North portal, the date 1566 and a relief of God the Father are visible. There is a curious popular tradition that attributes the name "of figs and honey" to the Basilica, due to a fig tree that grew on the facade and a beehive that persists on an exterior wall, despite several attempts at removal over the years.

The Artistic Legacy Within

Upon crossing the entrance, visitors are met with a spacious interior, divided into three naves of similar height, a characteristic reminiscent of the Manueline style. The interior is a true repository of sacred art, highlighting multiple Baroque altars. The high altar is dominated by a valuable 18th-century altarpiece, executed in 1752 by Jacinto da Silva. Among the side altars, in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, is the remarkable Triptych of the Kinship of Saint Anne, a 16th-century Mannerist work, originating from an Antwerp workshop, considered one of the most precious examples of art from the Trás-os-Montes region. The walls also display mural paintings, attributed to Francisco Bernardo Alves, dating from the 18th century, representing biblical scenes such as "The Last Supper" and "The Virgin Receiving Communion". In the choir, an 18th-century organ, carefully restored, contributes to the solemn atmosphere of the space.

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