Parish Church of Vila de Rei

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Castelo Branco > Vila de Rei > Vila de Rei > Centro Histórico

Location

The Mother Church of Vila de Rei is located in the heart of the town's historic center, occupying an elevated position. Surrounded by a spacious walled, landscaped churchyard with some trees, it provides a serene environment. Access to the temple is via a front staircase, which invites a tranquil approach to the building.

Architecture and Recent History

The building of the Mother Church of Vila de Rei, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, stands out for its modernist architecture, the result of a project conceived between 1961 and 1968. Its construction involved the work of architect António Lino and the collaboration of Father Augusto Nunes Pereira, who together envisioned a space adapted to the community's needs. The facades are predominantly white, complemented by stone bands, and the set of articulated volumes gives it a remarkable presence. An imposing bell tower, approximately 23 meters high and built of stonework, stands out in the church's profile, marking its silhouette in the urban landscape.

Artistic Details and Interior Space

Upon entering, one discovers a spacious interior bathed in a unique light that filters through the windows. The generously sized nave is adorned with a wainscot of blue and white tiles, reproducing 17th-century patterns, although some original tiles from the old mother church can be observed near the baptistery. The concrete choir loft offers a view over the space, and it is from the large window on the main facade that the representation of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, surrounded by angels, greets visitors. The interior is further enriched by stained-glass windows depicting various religious figures, such as Our Lady of Fátima, Saints Peter and Paul, Saint Joseph, Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Saint Anthony, and Saint Sebastian, adding color and meaning to the ambiance. In the baptistery, light enters through stained-glass windows illustrating Christ and Saint John the Baptist, inviting contemplation of this space.

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