Church of St. Anthony

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Bragança > Mirandela > Paradela > Mascarenhas

Location

Situated in the locality of Paradela, which is part of the Mascarenhas area, the Church of Stº António is located in the centre of the main square of this village. Paradela is nestled at the bottom of a wide valley, benefiting from a gentle natural setting, with small streams nearby.

The area surrounding the church is a simple square, with the churchyard directly in front. The churchyard is delimited by a low stone wall topped with railings, creating a tranquil space around the main religious building of the locality.

A Historical and Architectural Look

The Church of Stº António in Paradela features a construction that reflects religious architecture practiced between the 17th and 19th centuries. Although the name of the architect or builder is unknown, the church combines elements of Mannerist and Baroque styles, visible in both its structure and decorative details.

Over the years, the building has undergone interventions that shaped its current appearance. The date of 1609, inscribed on the baptismal font, suggests its origin dates back to the early 17th century. The main facade, however, was subject to later remodelling, as indicated by the dates of 1809 and 1859, present above the portal and other elements.

Exterior and Facade Details

Exteriorly, the church presents a longitudinal plan, composed of the main nave, the chancel, and a sacristy attached laterally. The facades are clad in plastered and white-painted masonry, contrasting with the grey base and granite ashlar quoins.

The main facade, facing west, is topped by a truncated gable, where the double-arched bell tower is inserted. The main portal, with a straight lintel and simple moulding, is surmounted by a finial and a polylobed oculus. Flanking this ensemble, there are niches housing images, and the entire set is crowned by the cross of the Order of Calatrava. The quoins are highlighted by pilasters and pinnacles, reinforcing the architectural style of the period.

The Interior Space and Sacred Art

Upon entering the church, one is met with a simple and sober interior, with whitewashed walls and a granite slab floor. The ceiling is notable, constructed of wood, forming a false barrel vault that lends a sense of spaciousness and welcome to the space.

To the left, beneath the wooden choir loft, stands the granite baptismal font, a piece bearing the date 1609, making it one of the oldest elements of the building. On the same side is the pulpit, with its stone basin. The gaze is naturally drawn to the triumphal arch, which provides access to the chancel.

In the chancel, the central piece is the main altarpiece, a work of polychrome carving in beige, grey, and golden accents, inspired by the Baroque style. This altarpiece is composed of twisted columns and pilasters decorated with acanthus leaves, flanking a central tribune. The most singular feature of this tribune is the painted background depicting a city, an unusual detail. There are also lateral altars, such as the one dedicated to Our Lady of Graces, which also feature painted carved elements.

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