Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Castelo Branco > Belmonte > Caria > Carvalhal
The Parish Church of Caria stands at a central point in the locality, in the Carvalhal area, within the municipality of Belmonte. It is isolated in the middle of a large walled churchyard. This outdoor space invites a pause, offering long benches and displaying some of the crosses that once formed a Way of the Cross.
In the churchyard, some inscriptions can be observed, marking relevant dates in local history, such as 1719 and 2000, testifying to the long presence and importance of this place for the community.
With origins dating back to the 16th century, the church of Caria, also known as the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of the Conception), underwent a significant reconstruction in the 18th century. Despite alterations over time, it retains its initial structure, reflecting the common typology in the region, with a uniform exterior roof that conceals the differentiation of the interior spaces.
On the exterior, the main granite façade stands out, with a full arch portal flanked by pilasters and an oculus in the upper part. The bell tower, located on the right side, preserves elements of its 16th-century construction, with the particularity of displaying tile panels depicting the Baptism of Christ and clocks on each face in the upper register.
Upon entering, the division into three naves, marked by Tuscan pillars, is immediately noticeable. The decoration is predominantly Baroque, with special emphasis on the interior ceilings in false wooden barrel vaults.
The walls feature tile wainscoting with a diamond-point pattern, made in the 19th or 20th centuries. The chancel captivates with its ceiling of painted coffers, where 36 Marian symbols are represented, a theme that is repeated in the 19th-century stained glass window illuminating the high choir.
The main altarpiece is a large central piece, revealing the transition from the national Baroque style to the Joanine. Its structure includes twisted columns and a wide tribune that confers grandeur to the ensemble. In the side spaces and sacristies, there are other points of interest.
The baptistery, located at the base of the tower, features a niche with an interesting arrangement of pilasters. In the two sacristies, the painted coffer ceilings offer distinct visual narratives: one portrays the Apostolate, while the other displays symbols of Christ's martyrdom. Interestingly, the holy water fonts, both at the main portal and the side door, are integrated into the shafts of the nearest pillars, a notable and uncommon solution.
The churchyard holds memories of yesteryear. Besides the crosses of the old Way of the Cross, which feature varied decorations including symbols of the Passion, two tombs with visible coats of arms are found near the main portal. One dates from the 18th century and the other from the 19th century, testifying to the presence of historically relevant families for the community of Caria.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.2970499,-7.3633668
Coordinates DMS: 40°17'49.4"N 07°21'48.1"W
Weather Caria
On-duty Pharmacy Caria
