Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Bragança > Macedo de Cavaleiros > Macedo de Cavaleiros
Located in the picturesque village of Vilarinho de Agrochão, in the municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros, the Church of Santo Antão rises on an elevated point, offering a striking presence in the landscape. Access to the temple is via a set of stairs that compensate for the unevenness of the terrain, contributing to its imposing appearance. It is surrounded by a wall that defines its space, flanked by the parish cemetery, creating an atmosphere of quietude and contemplation.
This parish church, consecrated to Santo Antão, dates back to the 18th century, being a remarkable example of Baroque religious architecture in the region. The temple, classified as a Property of Public Interest, bears witness to the cultural and artistic richness of the period of its construction. Throughout the centuries, it has been a central point for the community, maintaining its original religious function.
The exterior of the church stands out for its robustness and lines, with the main facade in exposed granite ashlar. At the top, the gable is uniquely truncated by a double bell tower with perfect round arches, flanked by pinnacles. This bell structure is further enriched by terracotta images representing the Four Evangelists, giving it a symbolic dimension. To the left of the facade, a square-plan bell tower with a pyramidal roof complements the ensemble, while the portal is adorned with sculpted Latin crosses.
The interior of the Church of Santo Antão reveals a surprising decorative richness in contrast to its relative exterior simplicity. The flat ceiling of the nave is composed of coffered panels with paintings of hagiological themes, while the chancel is covered with elaborate mural paintings, some of them in "trompe l'oeil", imitating damask patterns in shades of red and gray. The triumphal arch and the side altars shine with the beauty of gilded carving, ornamented with acanthus. A particular highlight is the glazed niche of the Senhor dos Passos (Lord of the Steps), enveloped in mural paintings that simulate a floral architecture. In the sacristy, vestiges of tempera paintings remain, with architectural and floral motifs, some of which display a varied color palette and even details in gold leaf, attesting to the artistic skill of the period.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.5860335,-6.9911184
Coordinates DMS: 41°35'9.7"N 06°59'28.0"W
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