Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Coimbra > Montemor-o-Velho > Montemor-o-Velho > Centro
The Mother Church of São Martinho is located in the center of the village of Montemor-o-Velho, in one of its main squares. Its central position in the locality facilitates access, integrating into the urban landscape and offering a point of reference for those walking through the village streets.
The history of the Mother Church of São Martinho has deep roots in time. Although the exact date of its foundation is partly lost, there are references pointing to the existence of a place of worship in this area before the 12th century, specifically in 1130. There are even records suggesting the foundation of a Benedictine convent in the 9th century, possibly on the same site. The building we observe today reflects an evolution over the centuries, with elements dating from the late 13th and early 16th centuries, resulting from various interventions and adaptations. Over time, the church underwent maintenance work, including one in the 1960s, and suffered alterations to its façade and interior in 1880, which modified its original appearance.
The Church of São Martinho features a regional Gothic architectural style, characterized by its simplicity and rigor. The temple consists of a single nave, culminating in a rectangular chancel, covered by a barrel vault. Inside, natural light creates a distinctive atmosphere, highlighting the Chapel of the Rangéis, located on the Gospel side. The church also includes a baptistery, a sacristy, and a high choir. The square bell tower and the main door, visible on the façade, were 19th-century interventions that contributed to its current configuration.
Inside the church, it is possible to appreciate several elements of artistic and devotional value. The main altarpiece, which adorns the chancel, is an 18th-century piece. In addition to this, the church possesses other stone altarpieces dating back to the 16th century. On the nave walls, a set of fourteen small paintings illustrates the Stations of the Cross, inviting contemplation. The church is dedicated to Saint Martin Bishop, its principal patron. Interestingly, in earlier times, it also had Saint Varão as its patron, whose image was still in the mother church in 1721, a peculiarity that reflects the richness of its religious history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.172975,-8.685801
Coordinates DMS: 40°10'22.7"N 08°41'8.9"W
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