Church of Santa Maria do Castelo

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Guarda > Almeida > Castelo Mendo

Location

The Church of Santa Maria do Castelo is located in Castelo Mendo, one of Portugal's remarkable Historical Villages, belonging to the municipality of Almeida. This ancient temple stands on an elevated point of the village, offering a perspective of its surroundings and the historical atmosphere that characterizes the village.

Its position within the perimeter of the medieval castle underlines the importance it held in the life of the community and in the defense of the territory throughout the centuries.

Memories of Other Times

The history of this church dates back to the 13th century, with its construction being around the year 1229. Its foundation is intimately linked to the charter granted by D. Sancho II, a document that already mentioned the existence of religious authorities and the newly established parish in the locality.

This temple witnessed centuries of history and transformation, marking the religious and social life of Castelo Mendo for many years.

Architecture and Details

Originally of Romanesque style, the church underwent significant interventions in the 16th century, which added new elements to its structure. Particularly noteworthy is the side chapel, which features an architectural detail of great value: a Mudéjar ceiling, reflecting Moorish influences in its design.

The 16th-century enlargements also introduced a unique cannon gargoyle. The temple's appearance in earlier times can be glimpsed through the drawings by Duarte de Armas, dated 1513, which already recorded its full-arch portal and bell tower.

The Legacy of an Ancient Parish

Throughout the centuries, the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo played a central role as a parish church. In 1758, it had four distinct altars, including the main altar, dedicated to various devotions, which attests to its relevance for the local population.

However, its role as a center of religious worship ended in 1834, when the parish was dissolved. Although it is now in a state of ruin, the church's structure continues to narrate its long trajectory, with the date 1889 inscribed on the lintel of one of its doors, a record of the times that followed its deactivation.

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