Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Sintra > Almargem do Bispo, Pêro Pinheiro e Montelavar
The Church of Dona Maria is located in the parish of Almargem do Bispo, Pêro Pinheiro e Montelavar, situated in the municipality of Sintra. Its position is integrated into the landscape of the district of Lisbon, in a setting that reflects the vast historical and cultural richness of the region. It constitutes a landmark in the urban and rural fabric of the parish, typical of the diversity that characterizes the municipality of Sintra.
Its presence stands out in the local community, naturally fitting into the landscape that characterizes this particular heritage of Portugal.
The history of the Church of Dona Maria dates back to the 12th century, with its foundation occurring after the conquest of the Sintra region. Initially, the structure would have been more modest, serving as a pillar of community and religious life at the time. The current form of the church began to consolidate in the mid-14th century, when the building was substantially rebuilt, already adopting the characteristics of the then predominant Gothic style.
Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several significant interventions. In the early 16th century, during the Manueline period, important renovations took place that introduced new architectural and decorative elements. The earthquake of 1755 caused considerable damage, leading to a reconstruction that altered some of its original aspects, particularly in the main facade. The relevance of the Church of Dona Maria is recognized, being classified as a National Monument and part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, a site of universal value.
The architecture of the Church of Dona Maria presents a profile that exemplifies the adaptation of Mendicant Gothic to Portuguese parish churches. The main body of the building is divided into three staggered naves, with the central nave being higher, separated by arcades with pointed arches leading to the main chapel. The latter, with a polygonal plan, is distinguished by its ribbed vault and imposing Gothic windows that allow abundant natural light to enter.
The main facade features a pointed arch portal, framed by several archivolts and set within a gable. Although it now displays a Baroque window, in the past, this part of the church housed a rose window, evidencing the transformations it has undergone over time. The side portals, with their Gothic design, and the external structure of the main chapel, with its buttresses and decorative corbel details, contribute to the building's identity and robustness.
Among the elements that deserve particular attention in the Church of Dona Maria, the bronze bell in the bell tower, located on the south side of the facade, stands out. This bell is an ancient specimen, cast in 1468, with an inscription in Carolingian Gothic script that testifies to its longevity and historical value, representing a unique piece of bell heritage.
Inside the temple, despite the multiple renovations that have shaped its appearance over the centuries, vestiges of Hispano-Moorish polychrome tiles can still be found. These fragments are testaments to the decorative richness introduced during the Manueline period, which imbued the church with an artistic mark of great cultural interest for visitors.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.8163859,-9.2539865
Coordinates DMS: 38°48'59.0"N 09°15'14.4"W
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