Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Torres Vedras > Santo Isidro > Casal das Paradas
The Church of Saint Isidore is located in the area of Casal das Paradas, in the locality of Santo Isidro, belonging to the municipality of Torres Vedras. Situated in a peri-urban area, prominently and somewhat isolated, it is surrounded by a partially walled churchyard. In front, a small stone cross can be observed, built with repurposed ancient materials, resting on a plinth and steps. The church is located northwest of the village center, near the cemetery, lending it an atmosphere of tranquility and introspection.
The history of the Church of Saint Isidore dates back to a primitive 16th-century edifice, which would have been a hermitage dedicated to the same patron saint. Over the centuries, the temple underwent various interventions, notably a significant reconstruction in the 18th century, which gave it much of its current appearance. From this long journey, vestiges of the original building still remain, such as the triumphal arch and the holy water font, which tell part of its narrative. In recognition of its heritage value, the building was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1950.
The Church of Saint Isidore exhibits a fusion of architectural styles, reflecting its various constructive phases, from Manueline and Mannerist elements to Baroque features. Characteristic of religious buildings in the 'saloia' region, it presents a more austere exterior treatment. The main façade is preceded by an enclosed galilee, which serves as a porch, and flanked by a square-plan bell tower. The façades are plastered and whitewashed, with prominent ashlar quoins topped by pinnacles. On the main portal, dated 1732, a coat of arms with the insignia of the patron saint stands out. An interesting detail to note on the exterior is the presence of a sundial, placed in 1738.
Upon crossing the threshold of the church, the visitor is greeted by a single nave, whose ceiling is a barrel vault painted with ornaments, including a central composition dedicated to Saint Isidore. The nave walls are entirely covered with 18th-century tiles, in "carpet" patterns of blue, yellow, and white, interspersed with figurative panels representing the Four Evangelists. The pulpit, resting on a corbel and with a marble balustrade balcony, is a prominent piece. The triumphal arch, of Manueline character, impresses with its twisted elements and undulating stems with squash blossoms. Flanking this arch are two 18th-century carved wood side altars, with tile frontals depicting the Dove of the Holy Spirit and Our Lady of the Rosary. In the chancel, also covered with Mudejar-inspired patterned tiles, a gilded carved altarpiece, executed in the National Style, stands out, featuring a niche and throne, and a barrel vault with painted coffers.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.1536818,-9.326137
Coordinates DMS: 39°09'13.3"N 09°19'34.1"W
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