Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Faro > Silves > Alcantarilha > Alcantarilha e Pêra
The Parish Church of Alcantarilha is located in the village of Alcantarilha, in the municipality of Silves, Algarve. It is one of the main monuments of the locality and has been classified as a Property of Public Interest.
The church combines elements of different artistic styles, with emphasis on Manueline and Baroque, making it one of the best examples of aesthetic evolution in the region.
The church has a longitudinal plan and is composed of several parts. The ossuary chapel is attached to the south side, while on the north side are the sacristy and the baptistery, both with two floors. At the rear of the building, there is a modern two-story construction, used for parish services.
The main facade has a base and three sections divided by pilasters. In the center, the church portal stands out, with a curved pediment and volutes on the tips of the jambs. The upper part of the facade is composed of three sections, ending with a small cupola.
The south facade is composed of five sections, including one that belongs to the Ossuary Chapel, with a perfect arch portal.
The interior is divided into three naves, with four bays each. The roof is made of wood and the roof is gabled. The columns with octagonal capitals and the transverse arches divide the bays. The chancel has a square plan and two levels, being covered by a Manueline vault, with ribs that end in corbels.
The altarpiece of the chancel is in the Rococo style and is richly decorated with gilded and polychrome carvings. It features themes such as acanthus leaves, scrolls and cartouches, which stand out against a background that simulates marble. The altarpiece is divided into three parts, separated by pilasters and cornices.
In the center of the altarpiece, there is a tribune with a three-step throne, where a baldachin is placed. Next to it, there are two 17th-century images, of Saint Michael and Saint Peter. In the attic, the decoration is made with small pilasters and acanthus elements, with an open crown at the closure.
In the sacristy, a wooden chest of drawers stands out, composed of five modules and decorated with acanthus leaves. In the upper part, there is a small aedicule with a symbol of the Crucified.
The construction of the church dates back to the 16th century, probably during the reign of King Manuel I. The chancel was completed in the Manueline style or at the beginning of the reign of King John III. The altarpiece was installed in 1769, and, over the centuries, several images were added, including that of the Baby Jesus, in 1925.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_Paroquial_de_Alcantarilha
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.13030181689901,-8.346194180328046
Coordinates DMS: 37°07'49.1"N 08°20'46.3"W
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