Church of the Divine Holy Spirit

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Coimbra > Miranda do Corvo > Lamas

Location

The Church of the Divine Holy Spirit is located in Lamas, a picturesque parish in the municipality of Miranda do Corvo, situated in the district of Coimbra. This area, once known as Divino Espírito Santo de Lamas, is characterized by its sunny slopes, which shape the surrounding landscape and lend a peaceful atmosphere to the place.

History and Resilience

The building seen today is the result of a significant reconstruction that took place in the 19th century. The need for a new temple had been felt since the mid-18th century, but it was in the late 1700s that the plans took shape and the work began to be outlined. Construction began in 1804, with the church being completed just three years later, in 1807.

Its existence, however, was marked by a period of great instability. Shortly after its completion, the temple was targeted for looting and set ablaze during the French invasions that ravaged the region. The community's resilience, however, prevailed, and efforts for its official rehabilitation were promptly initiated in 1811, ensuring that its heritage was preserved and the building rehabilitated.

The Temple and its Symbolism

This church is dedicated to the Divine Holy Spirit, who is its patron and a central figure in the identity of the locality itself, given that the parish was once named after it. The architecture of the building, as it currently appears, mirrors the style and construction techniques of the 19th-century reconstruction, showing a structure that has endured over time and witnessed various historical events in the region. Its presence is a landmark in the landscape of Lamas, symbolizing the faith and persistence of its community.

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