Parochial Church of Alcaide

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Castelo Branco > Fundão > Alcaide > Centro

Location

The Parish Church of Alcaide is located in the center of the village, on an elevated position halfway up the slope. It was built on an artificial platform, standing out in the urban landscape. The main access is via stairs leading to small surrounding squares, functioning as a churchyard. In one of these spaces, on the southeast side, there is a dated fountain, flowerbeds, trees, and benches along the building's walls, providing a serene environment before entering the church.

A Long History

The origins of this church in Alcaide date back to the 13th century. However, the building we see today is the result of several stages of construction and remodeling over the centuries. Its current form began to take shape in the 16th century, when it was rebuilt. Subsequent interventions in the 17th, 18th, and early 20th centuries brought alterations and enriched its appearance.

Exterior Architecture

The church's exterior reveals a robust construction in granite ashlar, with the facades showcasing this material. The main facade features a round arch portal, with an ornate stone frame, topped by an oculus. A prominent element is the bell tower, which is isolated from the church's main body. It is a tall and imposing tower, divided into three levels, and displays the date "1694" on its main facade, indicating the year of its construction.

Interior Richness

Inside, the church is organized into three naves, separated by granite columns with Tuscan-style capitals. The ceilings are wooden, taking the form of a false barrel vault in the central nave and chancel, and a single span in the side naves, all painted blue. A circular granite pulpit is attached to one of the columns. The chancel, narrower and taller, is a focal point. The main artistic feature of the interior is the gilded woodwork, present in the altarpieces. The main altarpiece and the collateral altarpieces display an older style, while the side altarpieces, introduced later, combine Baroque and Gothic elements, creating an eclectic composition. The walls are also decorated with a polychrome patterned tile wainscot.

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