Parish Church (Parochial Church of Brasfemes)

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Brasfemes

Location:

The Parish Church stands in the heart of the peaceful locality of Brasfemes, a civil parish that belongs to the municipality of Coimbra. It is located in an environment that invites tranquility, far from the hustle and bustle of large urban centers, offering a visiting experience immersed in the calm of a Portuguese village.

Its central position in the village makes it a landmark and a symbol of local identity, inviting a leisurely exploration of the heritage and the natural surroundings that characterize this area.

Architecture and Historical Evolution:

Although the church's main structure was rebuilt in the mid-18th century, the building still retains traces of its earlier existence. From its oldest phase, the bell tower stands out, dating from the 17th century. This square-plan tower with a dome-shaped roof is uniquely positioned, isolated at the rear of the church's chancel, and underwent some interventions in the 18th century that shaped its current form.

The facade displays the harmonious lines of the 18th century, with decorative elements such as pilaster-shaped quoins and light urns that adorn it. The gable features a distinct recess at its base, and the main door, with its curved lintel and molded doorposts, complements the 18th-century aesthetic. A richly composed quadrilobed oculus is framed by a cornice with mixed and complex lines, adding a touch of elegance and detail.

Interior and Artistic Collection:

The church's interior, with its welcoming simplicity, reveals a high choir, elegantly supported by a segmental stone arch. The altarpieces, both the main and the side ones, are representative of the style that marked the second half of the 18th century, showcasing the sacred art of the era.

In the main altarpiece, there was once a small throne that was protected by a canvas. This canvas, a work depicting the Baptism of Christ, signed by António J. Gonçalves de Coimbra in 1864, is now displayed in the church's nave, allowing for better appreciation by visitors. Additionally, a simple lavabo, dated 1677 and located in one of the sacristies, constitutes a curious piece that attests to the antiquity and history of this sacred space.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt