Church of Our Lady of Help

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Leiria > Alcobaça > Cabeço da Maceira

Location

The Church of Our Lady of Help (Nossa Senhora da Ajuda) is situated in the small locality of Cabeço da Maceira, part of the municipality of Alcobaça. It occupies an elevated and prominent position within the village, integrated among local dwellings and the cemetery, giving it a notable presence in the central square of the village. Its location allows visitors to observe the characteristic urban surroundings of this region.

Origin and Historical Legacy

Dating back to the 16th century, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda is a remarkable example of Manueline architecture in the region. Its construction dates to 1506, a period when Abbot D. Jorge de Mello requested King D. Manuel I to establish a privileged site. This chapel, then erected, grew to become the parish church we observe today. Its historical and artistic value has been recognized with its classification as a National Monument, safeguarding its importance for Portuguese heritage.

Architectural and Artistic Details

The church's main facade immediately captures the eye, featuring a richly detailed Manueline portal. Prominent are its six radiating points, at the center of which an emblematic armillary sphere, symbol of King D. Manuel I, is displayed. Immediately below, beneath a detailed crocketed pinnacle, appear the arms of the Mello family, which are also repeated at the upper extremities of the portal. The jambs, sculpted with a profusion of geometric motifs, stylized fruits, and asymmetrical capitals, where figures such as dragons and a snail can be discovered, invite close observation of the decorative mastery. A two-tiered bell tower with a spire completes the imposing facade.

Interior and Symbolism

Upon entering, the space reveals a single nave, covered by a wooden ceiling that imparts a welcoming atmosphere. The triumphal arch, with its unique cut-out, provides access to the chancel. Here, the ribbed vault, which bears the Mello coat of arms at its keystone, rests on capitals adorned with vegetal motifs, such as foliage and artichokes, with a particularity: one of the capitals features zoomorphic decorations, representing dog heads. The church also houses two holy water fonts with distinct histories: one of Romanesque origin, supported by four small columns, and another Manueline one, of peculiar shape, which is attached to the side wall.

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