Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Coimbra > Penacova > São Pedro de Alva > Casal Novo
The Mother Church of São Pedro de Alva is located in the Casal Novo area, part of the locality of São Pedro de Alva. This Portuguese village is situated in the municipality of Penacova, in the district of Coimbra. Its location is strategic, in the eastern part of the municipality, between the Alva and Mondego rivers, not far from the Aguieira Dam, giving it a natural environment of interest.
The building of the Mother Church of São Pedro de Alva is a testament to the passage of time and artistic evolution. Its main body dates from the second half of the 18th century, while the chancel is older, dating back to the second quarter of the 16th century. This fusion of eras is visible in its structure, where the chancel stands out as an example of transition between the Manueline style and the beginning of the Renaissance. Inside, the high crossing arch, with its pilasters, reveals Renaissance influence, and a loophole on the epistle side, with its short finish, exemplifies the common style of this transitional period.
The church preserves several details that tell its history. On the side door of the chancel and on one of the cornerstones, a coat of arms can be observed, including elements associated with the Farinhas family. The interior of the chancel is enriched by 18th-century tiles with rosette patterns, arranged in a reticulated design, and a beautiful stained-glass window that illuminates the space. From the original 16th-century altarpiece, some elements have been carefully preserved, and the frontal still retains Sevillian tiles from the same period. Among the prominent images are that of Our Lady of Conception, a 16th-century Manueline piece, on the left collateral, and that of Saint Blaise, from the 17th century, on the right collateral. In the baptismal chapel, a 16th-century Renaissance limestone tabernacle can be seen, and on the church ceiling, a painting dedicated to the patron saint, Saint Peter. From the primitive construction, believed to be from the 15th century, a twin window, the portal, and the baptismal font, carved in lobes, still survive.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.3013212,-8.167191
Coordinates DMS: 40°18'4.8"N 08°10'1.9"W
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