Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Faro > Faro > Santa Bárbara de Nexe
The Church of Santa Bárbara de Nexe is located in the centre of the village of Santa Bárbara de Nexe, in the municipality of Faro, Algarve. It is situated in a quiet area, surrounded by traditional houses and narrow streets that preserve the typical atmosphere of the Algarvian hinterland.
This setting gives the church a calm and authentic atmosphere, away from the more bustling areas, where religious heritage harmoniously integrates with the rural surroundings that characterize this small locality.
The current construction of the church dates back to the 15th century, built upon the foundations of an old hermitage that already served as a place of worship and pilgrimage for the local community. The church's connection with the population over the centuries gives it profound cultural significance.
Since 1938, the Mother Church of Santa Bárbara de Nexe has been classified as a Property of Public Interest, standing out as an important landmark of the religious heritage of the Algarve, which has maintained original characteristics despite various alterations over time.
The building features a floor plan with three naves separated by ogival arches resting on robust columns, reflecting the influence of the Gothic style with Manueline details, typical of the period in which it was built and expanded.
One of the most distinctive elements is the triumphal arch, decorated with motifs inspired by nature, such as branches and trunks, a notable expression of Manueline art. The chancel impresses with its star-ribbed vault and decorative keystones that enhance the beauty of the space.
Facing the north side of the nave, the church has three chapels that house 16th-century paintings, accompanied by Baroque altarpieces and rocaille details that enrich the space with various artistic expressions over time.
The tiles covering part of the walls also deserve attention, especially the figurative panels located above the triumphal arch, which illustrate religious themes and add colour and detail to the overall decorative scheme of the interior.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Santa_Bárbara_de_Nexe
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.1039404,-7.9641794
Coordinates DMS: 37°06'14.2"N 07°57'51.0"W
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