Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Leiria > Peniche > Atouguia da Baleia
The Church of São Leonardo is located in the heart of the ancient village of Atouguia da Baleia, in the municipality of Peniche. Rising on an elevated point, it stands out in the local urban landscape. Its churchyard, a paved and walled space surrounding the temple, offers a calm atmosphere conducive to observation and contemplation.
Considered the oldest Christian temple in the municipality, the Church of São Leonardo dates back to the period between the late 13th and 14th centuries. Its long history is evident in its walls, and the church was classified as a National Monument in 1949, recognizing its invaluable worth to Portuguese heritage. Over the centuries, it served as the final resting place for important figures of the local nobility, including the Counts of Atouguia, which underscores its historical relevance to the village.
The Church of São Leonardo is a remarkable example of the transition and coexistence of styles. It features a Romanesque-Gothic base, visible in its general lines and in elements such as the interior arcades and column capitals, adorned with vegetal and zoomorphic motifs. Over time, details enriching the ensemble were incorporated, such as Manueline style elements, evident in the sacristy door, and Mannerist details in the side chapels. This fusion of eras gives it a unique and interesting character for art history enthusiasts.
The main facade, with its triangular profile, reveals the internal organization of the temple. Noteworthy elements include the portal with its slightly pointed arches and sculpted capitals, and a large rose window that bathes the interior in natural light. On the side, the bell tower, with its pointed pyramids, is another distinctive feature. Inside, in addition to the monumentality of its three naves and arcosolia, special attention should be paid to the tomb of D. Álvaro Gonçalves de Ataíde, first Count of Atouguia, in the main chapel. Other valuable pieces include a 14th-century Nativity bas-relief, which served as an altar frontal, and a painting of Saint Leonard, attributed to the workshop of the Master of Saint Quintino. There is also a side chapel that surprises with its colorful 17th-century polychrome tiles.
A particularity involving the Church of São Leonardo is the curious popular legend that links it to the sea. According to oral tradition, part of its construction may have used bones from a whale that, in earlier times, washed ashore nearby. This narrative adds a layer of mysticism and local identity to the visit, highlighting the village's deep connection with its maritime heritage.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.3391178,-9.3253742
Coordinates DMS: 39°20'20.8"N 09°19'31.3"W
Weather Atouguia da Baleia
On-duty Pharmacy Atouguia da Baleia
