Saint Quintin Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Sobral de Monte Agraço > Santo Quintino > Lajes

Location

The Church of São Quintino is located in the Lajes area, a zone within Santo Quintino, in the municipality of Sobral de Monte Agraço. Situated approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Lisbon, its location offers a tranquil setting, characteristic of the region's rural environment, while maintaining proximity to the capital.

The Manueline Legacy

This church stands out for its architecture, notably in the Manueline style, a distinctive period of Portuguese art. Its construction or extensive renovation was commissioned by King Manuel I, around 1520. Dated elements, such as the 1530 inscriptions on the main portal's pilasters and the reference to 1532 in the south side chapel, attest to the phases of its construction and the decorative details of the period.

History and Heritage

The historical importance of the Church of São Quintino is recognized by its classification as a National Monument since 1910. It is believed that the devotion to Saint Quintin, the church's patron saint, was brought to the region by the Franks. However, part of its ancient history remains shrouded in mystery due to the probable loss of documentation during the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake.

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