Parish Church of Aveiras de Cima

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Azambuja > Aveiras de Cima

Location

The Mother Church of Aveiras de Cima is located in the town of Aveiras de Cima, belonging to the municipality of Azambuja, in the heart of the Ribatejo region. The temple stands in a central position in the village, becoming a reference point in its urban landscape and playing a significant role in the daily life of the local community.

Historical Origins

The history of the Mother Church of Aveiras de Cima is profound, dating back to the Middle Ages. Its roots may be linked to the period of the Christian Reconquista, around the 12th century, when population settlement occurred in the region. Throughout the centuries, the place of worship was the scene of various events and was under the purview of important entities, such as the Order of Santiago de Espada. This long heritage makes the church not just a religious building, but a repository of memory for the village.

A Community Temple

The current building, dedicated to Our Lady of Purification, is relatively modern, having been solemnly inaugurated on December 20, 1959. Its construction was the culmination of a remarkable collective effort. The population of Aveiras de Cima mobilized intensely from the mid-20th century, with the carrying out of fundraising, offerings, and other events, which demonstrated strong unity and determination. This new temple replaced older structures, which were in disrepair, representing the will of an entire community to build a lasting space of faith.

Architecture and Memory

The design of the current Mother Church is by the architect Vasco Morais de Palmeira. Its design reflects the period of its construction, giving it a particular aesthetic that integrates into the urban landscape. Inside, the space hosts several altars, including one dedicated to the patron saint, Our Lady of Purification, and others to the Blessed Sacrament, the Infant God, and Our Lady of Miracles. One of the most unique aspects are the preserved medieval funerary monuments, such as stelae and tombs with Gothic script epitaphs, which were carefully recovered from the foundations of the temples that preceded the current one. A fragment of the tomb of Pêro Paes, dated 1552, stands out among these vestiges, offering a direct link to the most remote memories of the place.

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