Main Church of São Martinho do Bispo

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > São Martinho do Bispo

Location

The Mother Church of São Martinho do Bispo is located in Coimbra, integrated into the urbanization of the same name. The building is situated on a slightly sloping plot, standing out in the local landscape. Its surroundings are predominantly composed of residential buildings, giving it a community atmosphere. The churchyard that surrounds it, partly paved with Portuguese cobblestones, is a transition space between the public road and the temple, and it also provides access to the cemetery.

The main access to the churchyard is through two wrought-iron gates, and in the case of the front gate, it is complemented by staircases in opposite directions, highlighting the unevenness of the terrain and creating a striking entrance for those approaching the church.

A Millennial History

The foundations of the current Mother Church of São Martinho do Bispo date back to the 11th century. Its origin is linked to a repopulation effort in the region, initiated by D. Sisnando in 1080, who donated these lands for the construction of a church. Later, these domains came into the possession of the See of Coimbra, which continued the project of development and settlement of the place.

Over the centuries, the building underwent various interventions and remodelling that shaped its current appearance. Elements from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries coexist, bearing witness to different eras of construction and artistic enrichment. Noteworthy are the tower, erected in 1733, and the altarpieces that were added throughout the 18th century by notable artists such as Master Carver Domingos Moreira.

Architectural Features

The Church of São Martinho do Bispo features religious architecture combining elements of Baroque and Rococo styles, typical of the 18th century. Its main facade, light-coloured with stonework details, has a scalloped shape and is topped by pinnacles, giving it a distinctive look. The main portal, from the 17th century, stands out with its arch and ornamented pediment, and on the left side facade, an older style door, from the 16th century, adds a layer of history to the construction.

The church follows a longitudinal plan, with a spacious nave and a more secluded chancel. To the right of the main body, the bell tower stands out, built in the 18th century, with its arched windows and pyramidal top. These elements give the exterior of the building a visual harmony and a profile that stands out in the urban landscape of the parish.

Art and Devotion in the Interior

Upon entering the church, we are greeted by an interior where art and devotion intertwine. The wooden ceilings of the nave and chancel are coffered, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The choir loft, with its arched gallery and wooden balustrade, is a point of interest that reveals the artisanal mastery.

The walls of the chancel and the nave, near the triumphal arch, are covered with panels of Rococo tiles in shades of blue and white. These pieces, with their sinuous and richly detailed ornamentation, illustrate various religious scenes, including episodes from the life of Saint Dominic, Saint Anthony, and, in the chancel, passages related to Saint Martin. The various gilded and polychrome carved altarpieces, with their faux marble finishes, are one of the highlights of the church. The main altarpiece, with its Baroque design featuring twisted columns and an exposition throne, and the side and collateral altarpieces, with their Rococo exuberance, are notable examples of wood carving art in Portugal.

On the floor, near the entrance, there is an 18th-century tombstone with an inscription recording the burial of a former parish priest. The holy water fonts in stonework, with their organic shapes, and the pulpit with its stone basin and wooden guard, complete the artistic richness of the church's interior.

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