Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Leiria > Ansião > Santiago da Guarda > Casal do Louco
The Church of Saint James the Apostle stands in the Casal do Louco area, in the heart of Santiago da Guarda, a locality belonging to the municipality of Ansião. The building is situated on an elevated platform, creating a visual landmark in the urban area. This space, distinct from the public road, is delimited by a white-painted masonry wall that encloses the church's vast churchyard. Access to the main facade is via staircases, while a simple opening allows entry from the right side. At the rear of the church grounds, the local cemetery is located, reinforcing its integration into the community.
This site has a history dating back to the 16th century, when the first parish church, also dedicated to Saint James, was built there. The current building is, therefore, not the original, but a more recent construction, erected in the 1970s. This replacement, which occurred on the same site, ensures the continuity of religious presence and dedication to Saint James the Apostle over the centuries, keeping alive the community's connection to this place of worship.
The Church of Saint James the Apostle represents an example of 20th-century religious architecture. It is characterized by a single-nave structure, reflecting the functionality and architectural language of its construction era. Its prominent and isolated positioning, in the center of the elevated churchyard, gives it an atmosphere of tranquility and prominence in the urban landscape. The simplicity of its lines, combined with the brightness of the white wall surrounding it, contributes to its distinct presence in Santiago da Guarda.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.94719,-8.4807306
Coordinates DMS: 39°56'49.9"N 08°28'50.6"W
Weather Santiago da Guarda
On-duty Pharmacy Santiago da Guarda
