Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Leiria > Peniche > Atouguia da Baleia > Reinaldes
The Church of Santa Bárbara is located in Reinaldes, an area within the historic town of Atouguia da Baleia, in the municipality of Peniche, part of the Leiria district. Its presence marks a point of reference amidst the tranquility and atmosphere that characterize Portuguese rural communities.
Set within a landscape that reflects local life, the church plays a discreet yet significant role in the urban and social fabric of Reinaldes, contributing to the identity and collective memory of the Atouguia da Baleia region.
Dedicated to Saint Barbara, the church evokes a figure of great devotional significance in the Catholic tradition, the patron saint offering protection against lightning, thunderstorms, and sudden death. This particular devotion highlights the community's deep historical connection to faith and the search for protection against the challenges of nature.
Over the centuries, the Church of Santa Bárbara has been a cornerstone for the inhabitants of Reinaldes, serving as a meeting point, a place for celebration, and for the observance of rites of passage. Its existence is inseparable from the local culture and traditions, reflecting the continuity of community life.
As is common with many smaller-scale religious buildings in Portugal, the Church of Santa Bárbara features an architecture guided by functionality and sobriety. Its construction reflects a traditional character, with simple lines that harmonize with the surrounding environment.
Its structure is expected to include a main nave, a high altar, and typically, a bell tower, elements that give the church a modest yet distinctive presence. The predominant materials in the region, such as stone and lime, contribute to the building's durability and its aesthetic, often marked by whitewashed walls that stand out in the landscape.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.3266447,-9.3010482
Coordinates DMS: 39°19'35.9"N 09°18'3.8"W