Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Sobral de Monte Agraço > Sobral de Monte Agraço
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Vida is located in Barqueira, an area belonging to the town and municipality of Sobral de Monte Agraço. Its position in the urban development of Barqueira gives it a prominent role in the local landscape, standing out within the village environment.
Built in 1772, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Vida was erected to serve as the main temple of the village. Its design was overseen by Reinaldo Manuel dos Santos, a significant name in the history of Portuguese architecture, known for his involvement in the reconstruction of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake. The church features a well-built stone structure, with a spacious and well-lit nave, connected to the chancel by a large triumphal arch. Its architectural design is inspired by the Church of Santa Isabel in Lisbon.
Inside, the church houses five altars and a high choir. A small tile panel depicts a significant episode of its construction, namely an accident suffered by one of the Cruz brothers during a visit to the works. On the altar dedicated to the Crucifixion of Christ, the relics of Saint Aurelia can be observed. Historically, funds raised through alms and auctions in the church were allocated to charitable acts, such as aiding needy families, paying for medical visits to the village, or supporting the population affected by invasions. In the high choir, there is an organ dating from 1973, with a manual keyboard and pedalboard, which was transported from Denmark and installed on site in 2003.
Over the centuries, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Vida has witnessed and overcome various challenges. Initially private property of the Counts of Sobral, it was ceded to the parish in the mid-19th century, due to the dilapidated state of the old temple of São Salvador do Mundo. Later, in 1919, during a period of instability, the church suffered a robbery and considerable damage, leading to its closure and return to the possession of the Counts. Fifteen years later, after a restoration process, it reopened for worship. In the 1980s, the sixth Counts of Sobral once again donated it to the parish, reaffirming its central role in the religious and communal life of Barqueira.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.017902,-9.1516671
Coordinates DMS: 39°01'4.4"N 09°09'6.0"W
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