Church of Saint Anthony

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Guarda > Aguiar da Beira > Pinheiro

Location

The Church of Saint Anthony is located in the village of Pinheiro, which is part of the municipality of Aguiar da Beira. Its historical designation, once known as Santo António de Além Rio (Saint Anthony Beyond the River), suggested its particular position in the surroundings, distinguishing it from other similar references in the region.

Architecture and Artistic Expression

This religious building reveals an aesthetic dating back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. On its exterior, a simplicity characteristic of the period is observed. The interior, in turn, stands out for its talha (carved giltwood), a type of wooden decoration that fills and enriches the space, lending the temple its own beauty and serving as a testament to the sacred art of that period.

Historical Roots

It is believed that the construction of this church was spurred by the presence of friars residing in the area, who dedicated it to Saint Anthony. The oldest known record of its existence appears in an inquiry dated 1758. In this document, the reference to Santo António de Além Rio was used to differentiate it from other eponymous religious structures, giving it a specific identity in local memory.

Traditions and Annual Celebrations

Annually, the local community keeps alive a celebration in honor of Saint Anthony, which takes place on the first Sunday after June 13th. This traditional feast is a moment of unity and celebration, where devotion to the saint is expressed through rituals and customs rooted in the culture of Pinheiro.

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