Parish Church of Our Lady of the Angels of Escalhão

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Guarda > Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo > Escalhão

Location

Located in the town of Escalhão, municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.

Ancient History

- Built during the reign of King Dinis.

- The first reference to the church dates back to 1320.

- Originally a medieval temple, it was completely rebuilt in the 16th century.

External Architecture

- Simple and austere façade, with a central portal with a perfect arch, flanked by fluted columns and topped by a triangular pediment.

- Two additional portals with a design similar to the main façade.

- Bell tower located to the left of the façade.

Internal Structure and Design

- Nave composed of five sections, covered by a stuccoed and painted vault.

- Chancel with a coffered vault.

- Side altarpieces in 17th-century carving, including the Chapel of Senhor dos Passos on the Gospel side.

Main Altar

- Originally decorated with 16th-century carving by Henrique Fernandes and Arnao de Carvalho, around 1525.

- Included high-relief panels of Calvary and the Deposition in the tomb.

- Replaced in the 17th century by an 18th-century Baroque carved altar, which includes a throne and sculptures.

Decorative Elements

- Classic portal with simple decorative elements.

- Baroque gilded carving present in the chancel.

Sources: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Igreja_Matriz_de_Escalhão_-_Portugal_(21356719071).jpg?uselang=pt

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