Church of Our Lady of the Conception

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Leiria > Leiria > Amor > Barreiros

Location

Located in the urbanization of Barreiros, in the locality of Amor, in the municipality of Leiria, this church is set in a tranquil urban environment. It opens onto a wide and open square, offering an unobstructed space. On the south side of this square, there is a garden area that invites a moment of pause, still preserving elements such as the hollowed-out posts, once part of old defenses used in bullfighting events.

Architectural Features

Built in the 17th century, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição presents a notable fusion of Mannerist and Baroque styles. Its longitudinal plan is marked by the juxtaposition of the main nave and a slightly lower chancel, both with vaults that lend grandeur to the space. Outside, a vast porch stands out, enveloping the main facade, supported by robust columns and elegant arches. Two square-plan turrets, projecting from each side of the facade, contribute to its distinction. The gable, with its counter-curved shape and pediment finish, adds a Baroque touch to the composition, while the dressed masonry and stone quoins underline the robustness of the construction.

Interior Richness

Upon entering, one discovers an interior where art and devotion meet. The single nave is covered by a whitewashed barrel vault, receiving natural light through wide side windows and the main facade, creating a luminous atmosphere. The more secluded chancel is adorned with a groin vault and inlaid wall coverings of pink and black marble, which contrast harmoniously with the white limestone, highlighting the altar and the altarpiece. These decorative elements, in the National style, converge towards the central throne where the image of the patron saint rests. The pink marble is also visible in the bases of the pulpits, the holy water fonts, and the capitals of the triumphal arch, evidencing the meticulous choice of materials and the care in the details.

The Origin of Devotion

The construction of this church, begun in 1694, is deeply linked to faith and an episode considered miraculous. Popular tradition tells that an old image of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, already quite deteriorated, was replaced and kept in a secondary chapel. Later, it was found to be perspiring and shedding tears, with its face miraculously rosy. This event motivated local devotees to build the current church to worthily house the venerated image. The work received support from the alms of the people and Queen D. Maria Sofia of Neuburg, wife of D. Pedro II, underscoring the importance of the community and royalty in its realization.

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