Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Coimbra > Vila Nova de Poiares > São Miguel de Poiares
The Main Church is located in the parish of São Miguel de Poiares, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Poiares, approximately 250 meters from the main road. Access is via a path surrounded by fields and small groves of cork oaks, lending the place an atmosphere of rural tranquility.
Adjacent to the temple is the parish cemetery, whose wall gently defines the surrounding space. Its slightly set-back position from the urban center allows for appreciation of the construction without visual interference, highlighting its simple design against the verdant horizon.
The origins of this temple date back to the 18th century, as attested by the date of 1742 engraved on one of the towers. The site is part of the ancient “Lands of the University of Coimbra” and, according to the charter of 1195 granted by Queen D. Dulce, there was a convent dedicated to Saint Michael here.
Over the centuries, the church has remained faithful to its original design, preserving itself as a testament to local devotion and the historical link between academic institutions and the rural communities of the region.
The facade stands out for its simple symmetry, flanked by two bell towers of single body and pyramidal roof. The roofline is joined by a robust cornice, below which the main door and two rectangular windows with friezes open.
Above the curvilinear gable, a small niche houses a Gothic limestone sculpture representing Saint Michael. Inside, the nave and chancel reveal smooth vaults, while five altars, including side altars with Solomonic columns, complement the sacred space.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.212593462387616,-8.226413626127577
Coordinates DMS: 40°12'45.3"N 08°13'35.1"W