Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Coimbra > Penacova > Figueira de Lorvão > Mata do Maxial
The Alminhas de Sto. António are humbly integrated into the Mata do Maxial, a natural enclave in the locality of Figueira de Lorvão, within the municipality of Penacova, Coimbra district. Their position, set within a predominantly green and serene environment, invites tranquility and attentive observation. This natural setting contributes to the unique atmosphere of the place, offering a space of quietude and reflection for visitors.
This small monument is an example of alminhas, structures that are an integral part of the Portuguese landscape and cultural heritage. Alminhas are traditionally votive or memorial niches erected on paths, crossroads, or near passages, intended for the invocation of souls in purgatory or to honor a patron saint. In the case of the Alminhas de Sto. António, the dedication to Saint Anthony underscores the deep connection to popular faith and local tradition, reflecting the devotion to one of the most venerated saints in Portugal.
Typically modest in size, the Alminhas de Sto. António reveal the simplicity and functionality of popular architecture. Their construction, likely from local stone or other traditional materials, demonstrates the care and reverence with which these places of worship and memory were built. Their design incorporates a niche, once containing an image or panel alluding to the saint or the souls, serving as a stopping point and place of prayer for travelers and residents. Their presence in the Mata do Maxial is not just a geographical landmark, but a symbol of the persistence of ancestral beliefs and customs that have shaped the region's identity.
The Alminhas de Sto. António represent a piece of the community's history and soul. They are a point of interest that invites the discovery of a more intimate and traditional facet of Portugal, where popular architecture merges with the landscape and spirituality. This site, although discreet, holds significant value as a vestige of a cultural heritage, inviting visitors to contemplate its importance within the context of collective memory and the traditions that endure in Penacova.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.2850518,-8.3803273
Coordinates DMS: 40°17'6.2"N 08°22'49.2"W
Weather Figueira de Lorvão
On-duty Pharmacy Figueira de Lorvão
