Church of Our Lady of Victory

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Leiria > Nazaré > Famalicão > Mochinha

Location

The Church of Our Lady of Victory is located in Famalicão, an area that is part of the municipality of Nazaré, in the zone known as Mochinha. This location offers a quieter, more residential environment, distinct from the bustle of Nazaré's beachfront, providing a perspective on local life and its more traditional communities.

History and Antiquity

The history of Famalicão parish is profoundly ancient, with roots that are lost in time. It is known that the parish was officially established in 1568, but the presence of a church on the site is even more remote. One of the oldest testimonies of the original construction is a stone dated 1633, which served as a corner element of the primitive church. This piece, which belonged to the old portico, is a visible link to the building's distant past.

Architecture and Unique Discoveries

Today, the church exhibits a more modern architectural style, resulting from various conservation and renovation interventions over the centuries. However, one element of the original construction remains imposing: its tower, crowned by a bell tower housing three bells. These bells, according to an inscription, began marking the hours in 1917, adding a characteristic sound to the life of the community.

One of the most notable aspects of the Church of Our Lady of Victory lies in a discovery of great historical and devotional value. During renovation work in 1968, an image of the Holy Trinity, sculpted in Ançã stone, was discovered in the subsoil. Dated from the 15th or 16th century, this image comes from the ancient Visigothic Church of São Gião. Although it was damaged upon its discovery, it is still possible to observe the original painting in several of its parts. Currently, this image, an object of great devotion by the inhabitants, occupies a place of honor near the church's entrance, testifying to the depth of local faith and history.

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