Church of Our Lady of Consolation (Alvados)

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Leiria > Porto de Mós > Alvados > Portela de Baixo

Location

The Church of Our Lady of Consolation is located in the heart of the village of Alvados, in Portela de Baixo, giving it a unique prominence in the landscape of the municipality of Porto de Mós. Its central position offers a point of reference and contemplation within the village atmosphere.

The church is flanked by a spacious and serene churchyard, an inviting space where a stone cross stands. The pavement, in traditional Portuguese cobblestone, displays geometric patterns formed by lines of black stone, inviting visitors to a moment of pause and observation.

Historical Legacy

The history of the Church of Our Lady of Consolation dates back to the 17th century, the period in which it was built and underwent significant remodeling. Inside, one of the holy water fonts bears a 16th-century epigraphic inscription, a testament pointing to an even older presence or element at this place of worship.

The bell tower, with its distinctively crafted cupola, is a later addition to the building, dating from 1894, enriching the architectural profile of the complex over time.

Architectural Features and Sacred Art

The church has a longitudinal plan, composed of a nave, a main chapel, and a side chapel, with the bell tower attached. Its plastered and painted façades are finished with elements that give them a harmonious appearance. The main façade is enhanced by pilastered cornerstones and pinnacles, culminating in a triangular gable topped with a cross.

The single-nave interior reveals a remarkable collection of sacred art. In the main chapel, an imposing gilded wood altarpiece, dated 1645 and offered by the parishioners, stands out. This Baroque piece is adorned with Solomonic columns and allegorical elements, housing images such as the Holy Trinity (from the 16th century) and a representation of Saint Sebastian, considered one of the most beautiful figures of this saint in the region. The Cross of Christ, carved in wood, is also a central piece in this devotional space.

Two side altars, also crafted in gilded wood, enrich the atmosphere of the church. One of them houses the images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Piety with the Child. The other collateral altar displays the images of the Patron Saint, Our Lady of Consolation, and Saint Anthony, inviting appreciation of the artistic and spiritual richness the site holds.

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