Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Leiria > Caldas da Rainha > A dos Francos > Largo de São Silvestre
The Church of São Silvestre is located in Largo de São Silvestre, in the heart of the tranquil village of A dos Francos, part of the municipality of Caldas da Rainha. Its prominent position, between two streets and facing a small square, gives it a central and serene presence in the local urban landscape. The very name of the locality, A dos Francos, harks back to a distant past, suggesting the establishment of a Frankish community in the 12th or 13th centuries, a detail that adds a touch of history to the experience of those who arrive here.
Built in the 18th century, the Church of São Silvestre is a historical and religious landmark of A dos Francos. Since its construction, it has served as the parish church, continuously serving the local community throughout the centuries. Its existence and preservation reflect the importance of faith and heritage in the life of this region of Caldas da Rainha.
The church is an example of Baroque religious architecture. Its irregular plan is composed of volumes that articulate horizontally, featuring a gable roof. The main façade, facing north, presents a stepped plinth that adapts to the square's slope. It is flanked by stone quoins topped with decorative elements in the shape of flame finials, and its depressed arch doorway, with a projecting cornice, is topped by a window and a clock, whose inscription points to "AURÉLIO ROMERO / LISBOA". The angular finish of the gable is crowned by a stone cross.
The bell tower, with a quadrangular plan, adjoins the east side, displaying a belfry on each of its faces on the second floor. It is also ornamented by four flame finials at the corners of the plan, where a dome with broken angles rests, giving it a distinctive silhouette.
Inside the Church of São Silvestre, the single nave, with a tiled floor, is covered by a barrel vault. In the choir loft, the clock mechanism is found, with its weights and pulleys, a detail that evokes the historical functionality of the space. A high plinth, covered with patterned tiles, runs along the walls, adding a decorative touch.
The full triumphal arch, opening to the chancel, reveals a space of greater artistic richness. The chancel also has a barrel vault, whose center is adorned by a medallion representing the Holy Spirit. The main altar, a central element, consists of a throne flanked by four smooth-shafted columns, resting on corbels and pilasters. Its pediment is interrupted by a glory, an element that culminates the artistic and symbolic composition of the altarpiece.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.3225999,-9.0480454
Coordinates DMS: 39°19'21.4"N 09°02'53.0"W
Weather A dos Francos
On-duty Pharmacy A dos Francos
