Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Coimbra > Condeixa-a-Nova > Belide > Sebal e Belide
Situated in the peaceful locality of Belide, part of the municipality of Condeixa-a-Nova, in the district of Coimbra, the Parish Church of Belide emerges as a landmark in the landscape of this rural Portuguese region. Integrated into the village's urban fabric, its presence contributes to Belide's identity and serene atmosphere, offering a glimpse into community life and local devotion in the heart of central Portugal.
The church's surroundings are characterized by the typical calm of a smaller locality, where the pace of life is more unhurried. Its position in the village allows visitors to appreciate the simplicity and genuineness of the surrounding environment, a reflection of more traditional Portugal.
Known both as the Parish Church of Belide and the Church of Our Lady of Health (Nossa Senhora da Saúde), this temple is a testament to the community's faith and history. Its dedication to Our Lady of Health reveals a deep connection of the population to this Marian invocation, which throughout centuries has been a beacon of hope and devotion for the region's inhabitants.
The dual designation underlines its importance, not only as a central place of worship for the parish but also as a sanctuary of a specific devotion that perpetuates through generations, marking local rituals and traditions. This is a space where the past and present of faith meet, reflecting the resilience and continuity of popular beliefs.
Like many religious buildings in Portugal, the Church of Belide presents architectural elements that reflect different eras and styles, while maintaining characteristic dignity and sobriety. Observing its façade, it's possible to identify the features that shape the region's religious architecture, often with an exterior simplicity that conceals a more elaborate interior.
The architectural ensemble is representative of a Portuguese parish church, with its bell tower rising above the surrounding houses, serving as a visual landmark. Inside, one expects to find the usual elements of a place of worship, such as the main altar, side altars, and religious iconography that tells stories of faith and art.
The Parish Church of Belide / Church of Our Lady of Health is more than a monument; it is a meeting point and the spiritual heart of the Belide community. Throughout centuries, this building has been the stage for celebrations, rites of passage, and moments of contemplation, consolidating itself as a true guardian of the village's collective memory.
Visiting this place is to immerse oneself in the living history of Belide, understanding the central role the church plays in the social and cultural life of its inhabitants, a place where tradition is maintained and the identity of a community is forged and celebrated.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.138454,-8.5623357
Coordinates DMS: 40°08'18.4"N 08°33'44.4"W