Main Church of Almendra

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Guarda > Vila Nova de Foz Côa > Almendra > Largo do Adro

Location

The Main Church of Almendra stands imposingly in the Largo do Adro, in the heart of the peaceful village of Almendra. This square, serving as the neuralgic center of the settlement, offers a serene and traditional setting for the church, allowing a tranquil appreciation of its architecture while soaking in the characteristic atmosphere of the village in Vila Nova de Foz Côa.

A Historical and Architectural Legacy

The history of the Main Church of Almendra, also known as the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos (Our Lady of the Angels), dates back to historical references from the early 14th century, with the first records appearing in 1320/21. The building we observe today is the result of a significant reconstruction and reformulation, dated 1565, as noted on its main facade. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the church underwent interventions and additions, such as the construction of chapels, which shaped its current configuration. This monument has been recognized as a Property of Public Interest since 1949, underscoring its unquestionable patrimonial value.

Details of Stone and Faith

Built in Manueline and Mannerist styles, the church features a rectangular plan and is divided into three naves, a significant characteristic of its internal structure. The exterior is dominated by its main facade, facing west, where robust buttresses frame the perfect arch portal. This portal, richly ornamented with elements typical of the period, displays the date 1565 on its entablature, a landmark of its re-edification. Above, an oculus with concave and salient forms complements the architectural ensemble.

The bell tower, a striking element of the church's silhouette, is composed of four registers, distinguished by cornices. It features perfect arch belfries, which house the bells, and gargoyles that crown its cornices. The tower culminates in spherical pinnacles that lend a distinctive and elegant profile to this temple of faith and history.

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