Church of Saint Sebastian (Serro Ventoso)

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Leiria > Porto de Mós > Serro Ventoso > Centro

Location

Situated in the heart of Serro Ventoso, the Church of Saint Sebastian is located in the central area of the locality, serving as a landmark for the community. Its position allows for the observation of daily village life, especially on busier days such as Sunday mornings, when the area is more bustling, reflecting the local vitality.

Origin and Architectural Features

The Church of Saint Sebastian, whose initial construction dates back to the period between 1610 and 1613, represents a milestone in local history. Over the centuries, it underwent several interventions which, although adapting it to different eras, maintained its essence as one of Serro Ventoso's main architectural elements. The bell tower, a later addition, was only built in 1866, on the initiative of Father António Lopes, a fact noted on a visible plaque on the façade.

Artistic and Historical Heritage

The interior of the Church of Saint Sebastian reveals a remarkable artistic collection. Standing out is the main altar in gilded carving, considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples in the municipality of Porto de Mós. The side altarpieces and the fresco adorning the ceiling of the chancel complement this visual richness. Two cornices flank the altar, displaying large, artistically sculpted angels, which contribute to the decorative balance of the space. The church's history is also marked by a unique episode: in 1810, during the second French invasions, the inhabitants of Serro Ventoso took the precaution of hiding the gold monstrance and other valuable pieces in the mountains, thus protecting the heritage from looting.

Local Traditions and Festivities

The church is the epicentre of various celebrations that reflect the vitality of Serro Ventoso's traditions. The festivities in honour of the patron saint, Saint Sebastian, are celebrated annually on a weekend close to January 20th. Formerly, a second feast dedicated to Saint Sebastian took place on Shrove Sunday, an event noted for the abundance of homemade sausages, a tradition still preserved today and reflecting local cuisine. In addition to these, the community celebrates the festivities of Saint Anthony on the third weekend of July, and the traditional May offerings to Our Lady of Fátima, enriching the cultural and religious calendar of the locality.

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