Church of Saint Vincent / Church of Mercy

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Guarda > Almeida > Castelo Mendo > Castelo Mendo, Ade, Monteperobolso e Mesquitela

Location

The Church of São Vicente, also known as the Church of Misericórdia, is located in the heart of the historic town of Castelo Mendo, in the municipality of Almeida. This temple stands within the ancient walled village, integrated into what was its second fortified urban nucleus, specifically in Largo de São Vicente. Its central position invites a peaceful exploration of its surrounding environment, which retains the characteristics of a historic village.

A Long History

The construction of the Church of São Vicente dates back to the 13th century, maintaining its roots in Romanesque architecture. Over the centuries, the building has undergone successive expansions and refurbishments, which have shaped its current appearance and given it a fusion of styles, with a notable Mannerist influence. Since the reign of King Dinis, this church has played a central role as a local parish, demonstrating its continuous importance in the life of the Castelo Mendo community.

Architectural and Artistic Details

On the exterior of the church, its bell tower is notable, a bell tower that already appeared in ancient representations from the early 16th century. Also noteworthy are the elegant mullioned windows, characterized by the central column that divides each opening into two parts. The portals, which invite entry, are the result of a remodelling dated to the 17th century.

Inside, the eye is captivated by the coffered wooden ceiling, whose beams rest on carved stone corbels. A side chapel can also be observed, dedicated to Our Lady of Conception, built in 1684 with the purpose of serving as a burial place for Manuel Sarinho de Brito. On the floor, various ancient gravestones are found, silent testimonies to the passage of time. The baptismal font, chalice-shaped and decorated with lobes, is an element of particular interest. The gilded carved altarpieces, which enrich the space, were added between the late 17th and the first half of the 18th century.

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