Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Castelo Branco > Castelo Branco > Cafede > Póvoa de Rio de Moinhos e Cafede
The Parish Church of Cafede is located in the northern part of the village of Cafede. It adapts to the slight inclination of the terrain with a stone staircase that invites access to the main entrance. The building faces a small square, a public space paved with cobblestones, where a large tree and some benches stand out, creating a welcoming atmosphere in the urban setting of the village.
The history of the church in Cafede dates back to the medieval period, although vestiges of that era are no longer visible in the current construction. The building we see today was built in the 17th century. The church once had a significant connection to the Order of Christ, being part of one of its commendams. Over the centuries, it underwent several alterations and enlargements, namely the construction of the bell tower at the beginning of the 18th century and more recent interventions that modified some of its internal elements.
On the exterior, the church features architecture that combines the simplicity of white plaster with stone details and beige painted bands that define the quoins and friezes. The main facade, facing west, culminates in a gable with a cross and pinnacles. At the center, the straight lintel entrance portal stands out, flanked by simple moldings. Above the portal, in a niche with a shell-shaped vault, there is a stone image of the patron saint, Saint Anthony. The facade is further complemented by two rectilinear windows. On the left side, the bell tower rises in two floors with stone finishes and openings, including a weather vane at its highest point.
Upon entering the church, one encounters an interior where the walls are predominantly white. The nave ceiling draws attention with its wooden beam work and lining forming coffers. The flooring combines wood with stone aisles. A wooden and glass draught screen protects the main entrance. At the back of the nave, the wooden choir loft rises, accessible by stairs. There are holy water fonts embedded in the walls, made of stone and decorated with gadroons. Under the tower, one accesses the baptismal chapel, a space with a stone vaulted ceiling that houses the granite baptismal font, a piece with a column base and a hemispherical bowl decorated with vegetal motifs, framed by a stone molding. In the chancel, partially covered with wood, the focus falls on the tabernacle. This oval wooden piece, painted to imitate marble, is surrounded by a golden glory and flanked by two painted carved columns, with a particular design that combines grotesque motifs on the lower part of the shaft with a spiraled form on the upper part.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.9119235,-7.5120986
Coordinates DMS: 39°54'42.9"N 07°30'43.6"W
Weather Cafede
On-duty Pharmacy Cafede
