Mother Church of Torre de Vale de Todos

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Leiria > Ansião > Torre de Vale de Todos

Location

The Main Church stands in the locality of Torre de Vale de Todos, a place with deep historical roots, integrated into the municipality of Ansião. It is located on Rua Nossa Senhora da Graça, a position that grants it a central role in the oldest part of the village, preserving the traditional atmosphere of a rural community.

Origin and Architectural Evolution

The history of this church dates back to its original foundation in the 16th century. However, the building we observe today is the result of a process of remodelling and adaptations that spanned several centuries. A notable example of these interventions is the main facade, which displays the date 1749, a testament to the Baroque influences that shaped its aesthetics and contributed to the artistic richness of the ensemble.

Interior Details

Inside, the church reveals a single nave, characteristic of its construction and successive alterations. The wooden ceiling, divided into three planes, features a painting with the image of Christ. To the left of the nave, a small chapel opens up, which once served as a baptistery. The pulpit, with a quadrangular base, stands out for its richly carved balcony, with elements simulating marbled effects. In another space, which currently functions as a baptistery, there is a baptismal font and a 16th-century image of the Holy Trinity. To the right, the chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands out. The altars flanking the triumphal arch are adorned with altarpieces that include archivolts and spiral columns, enriching the decorative ensemble of the temple.

The Sculpture of the Patroness

One of the most artistically prominent elements of the Main Church is the sculpture of its Patroness, Our Lady of Grace. This piece, attributed to the Renaissance master João de Ruão, is a 16th-century work that captures the eye with its beauty and execution. Sculpted in Ançã stone and with vestiges of its original polychromy, the image is located on the right-hand altar, constituting a point of great interest for visitors due to its historical importance and artistic value.

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