Parochial Church of Almalaguês

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Almalaguês > Centro da Aldeia

Location

The Parish Church of Almalaguês stands in the heart of the village, majestically positioned atop a hill, granting it a notable presence in the landscape. Surrounded by a spacious churchyard, this open area offers an inviting perspective of the building, allowing visitors to appreciate the tranquility and atmosphere of the center of Almalaguês village, in the municipality of Coimbra.

Architecture and Exterior

This church, dedicated to Saint James, displays a distinctly Baroque style, the result of a significant reconstruction undertaken in the 18th century. The main facade, facing west, stands out with its central portal, featuring a straight lintel and a simple frame, above which a generously proportioned window opens. The corners of the facade are adorned, giving it a solid and harmonious appearance. Laterally, the bell tower rises, exhibiting four openings for the bells and an interesting set of clocks: one sundial and one mechanical, testifying to the passage of time. The tower is topped by a cupola, completed by pyramidal ornaments on its corners.

The Interior and Its Treasures

Upon entering the church, visitors find a single nave, illuminated by four windows located on the south side and by the large opening of the main facade, creating a welcoming atmosphere. In the nave, two chapels on the north side deserve special attention. One of them is the Chapel of the Sacrament, dating back to the late 16th century, whose barrel-vaulted ceiling is richly adorned with coffers and florets, also housing a 16th-century tabernacle. The other, the Baptistery Chapel, houses a Baroque image of Christ, notable for its expressiveness and modeling. The triumphal arch, separating the nave from the chancel, is flanked by two Rococo-style altars, examples of late 18th-century art. The chancel, with a quadrangular plan, features a wooden barrel-vaulted ceiling, and its main altar displays a carved altarpiece that frames a painting and various sculptures from different periods.

Historical Notes

The Parish Church of Almalaguês is a testament to architectural and artistic evolution throughout the centuries. Although its current configuration reflects the major campaign of works in the 18th century, which gave it its Baroque characteristics and Rococo altars, its history dates back further, with the Chapel of the Sacrament and part of its sculptural collection dating from the late 16th century. The 20th century also brought important interventions, such as the inauguration of the baptismal chapel in 1960 and extensive restorations in the 1950s, which ensured its preservation. This temple continues to be a central point of the community's religious and cultural life, reflecting a legacy that spans generations.

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