Main Church of Vila Nova de Foz Côa

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Guarda > Vila Nova de Foz Côa > Vila Nova de Foz Côa

Location and Importance

The Main Church of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, is located in the Municipality Square of the city of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, in the Guarda district, Northern region of Portugal. It has been a National Monument since 1910.

Manueline Style

The church is an example of Manueline architecture, a Portuguese style that combines Gothic elements with Renaissance influences and decorative elements unique to Portugal.

Construction

The church was built by order of D. Manuel I, in honor of Our Lady of Piety (or of Sorrows), coinciding with the granting of the new charter to the town in 1514.

Exterior

The exterior is notable for the absence of a bell tower, an unusual feature. The bells are placed in a crowning with three windows, in the Castilian style.

The main portal stands out, with a round arch of five archivolts, decorated with Manueline elements such as rosettes, palmettes, scallops, armillary spheres, arabesques, and medallions.

Interior

The interior is typical of Renaissance architecture, with three naves defined by columns and round arches, giving it a simple and elegant appearance.

The ceiling of the central nave is made of wood, with oil paintings, and the chancel has twenty-seven coffers painted with episodes from the Life of Christ and the Virgin.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Vila_Nova_de_Foz_Coa

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