The Temple

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Nightclub

District: Bragança > Mirandela > Carvalhais

Location

The temple is located in the town of Carvalhais, part of the area of Vila Nova das Patas, in the municipality of Mirandela. It stands at a point that, historically, would have been of central relevance to the community, marking its presence in the local urban landscape.

Origins and Historical Journey

The history of this place of worship dates back to the founding of the Brotherhood of Mercy of Mirandela, established in 1518. The original building, which was situated in another area, eventually fell into ruin. For this reason, the brotherhood decided, in 1671, to build a new temple on the site it occupies today. Its construction extended over several years, with work resuming in 1675 after an initial contract, and was completed in the early 18th century. This constructive journey reflects the dynamics and commitment of the time in the erection of spaces for faith and community.

The Imposing Façade

The main façade of the temple features a remarkable composition, divided into three distinct sections that invite careful observation. In the lower section, three doors with rectangular frames stand out, with the lateral ones adorned by semicircular pediments and the central one by volutes. Above these, in the intermediate section, a large central window is prominent, flanked by two niches carved into the thickness of the wall, where figures of Saint John of Matha and Saint Felix of Valois are found. The ensemble is crowned by a pediment that includes pinnacles and, at the center, a Pietà, lending the entrance a character of great dignity and artistic detail.

The Splendor of the Interior

Upon entering, visitors are met with a single nave, where artistic richness is revealed in two finely sculpted and polychrome stone pulpits. Along the nave, there are four side altars, each with its particular devotion: on the Epistle side, the altars of Our Lord of the Passion and Our Lady of the Rosary; on the opposite side, the altars of Our Lady of the Green Cane and Our Lady of Pleasures. The triumphal arch, with its semicircular shape, displays traces of mural painting, with phytomorphic and marbled motifs framing representations of Christ and the banner of Mercy.

The chancel, the heart of the temple, is covered by a coffered vault in gilded carving, and its walls are adorned with compositions of mural paintings simulating tiles and marble panels. At the center, a main altarpiece in gilded carving stands out, with a tribune and throne, a highly elaborate Baroque piece, sculpted from chestnut wood in the early 18th century. The interior ensemble is a testament to the sacred art of bygone eras.

Recognition and Heritage Value

This temple is recognized as an important element of local and national heritage, having been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1986. Its preservation has been the subject of attention, with a significant restoration intervention carried out between 2015 and 2016. The classification underlines its historical, cultural, and architectural value, making it a point of interest that reflects the artistic and devotional heritage of the region.

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