Iron Mother Church / Church of S. Sebastião

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Castelo Branco > Covilhã > Ferro

Location

The Igreja Matriz de Ferro, also known as the Church of São Sebastião, stands in the peaceful locality of Ferro, belonging to the municipality of Covilhã. It is located in the heart of the village, integrated into its most traditional urban fabric. Its location on a typical village street contributes to the tranquil and genuine atmosphere of the place, serving as a landmark and a central element in the life of the local community.

Architecture and History

This religious temple, dating from the 17th century, features architecture with characteristic traits of its time. Its structure is composed of a single nave, which imparts a sense of unity to the interior space. The chancel, where the main altar is located, distinguishes itself by being slightly narrower and lower than the nave, a common architectural solution that hierarchizes the different bodies of the building. The simplicity of its exterior lines reflects the constructive spirit of the era in which it was erected.

Interior Artistic Richness

The interior of the Igreja Matriz de Ferro holds its greatest artistic treasure: the gilded woodcarving altarpieces. These pieces, crafted in the National Style, are a remarkable example of Portuguese decorative art. Gilded woodcarving is characterized by its exuberance and detail, with rich and voluminous ornamental motifs, sculpted in wood and then covered with gold leaf. This particular style, prevalent in Portugal during the 17th and 18th centuries, imbues the altars with a brilliance and magnificence that captivate the eye, illustrating the devotion and artistic expressiveness of the era.

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