Parish Church of Milharado

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Mafra > Milharado > Tituaria

Location

Situated in the tranquility of Largo de São Miguel, in the Tituaria area, in Milharado, the Parish Church is a landmark in the municipality of Mafra. Its location at the northwestern edge of the small urban agglomeration, isolated by its walled churchyard, offers an environment of serenity, ideal for contemplating its history and architecture.

A History in Stone

The Church of Milharado, dedicated to Saint Michael, is a testament to architectural evolution over the centuries. Its initial construction dates back to the 16th century, with elements that still today reveal the influence of the Manueline style. However, it was through important campaigns of works in the 17th and 18th centuries that it acquired its current features, combining Mannerist and Baroque traits. This temple is a characteristic example of the churches in the saloia region, known for their exterior sobriety and the presence of a galilee on the main facade. Its heritage value is officially recognized as a Property of Public Interest.

The Facade and the Churchyard

Upon arrival, the church presents itself with a whitewashed facade, austere yet inviting in appearance. The galilee stands out, a central porch with an elegant round arch, which gives a unique character to the entrance. Above, a curved gable is adorned by a medallion and finials, pointing towards the sky. To the left, the quadrangular bell tower rises in two registers, topped by a singular pear-shaped dome with a weather vane. In the churchyard, visitors will find a stone cross from the 17th century, a limestone Latin cross resting on a plinth decorated with Eucharistic emblems and symbols of Christ's Passion, inviting a moment of reflection.

The Interior and Its Treasures

Inside the Church of Milharado, artistic richness unfolds before one's eyes. Access is through the Manueline portal, which, although discreet, reveals intricate ornamentation with grape clusters, basketry elements, and figures of angels. The single, spacious, and luminous nave features a coffered ceiling decorated with painted coffers. The walls are covered with blue and white quadrangular tiles in geometric patterns that create a welcoming atmosphere. Two side chapels, with their gilded carved altarpieces and tile frontals with a "diamond point" pattern, enrich the space. Also noteworthy is the presence of a holy water font with a circular basin decorated with busts of angels. The 17th-century, semi-circular pulpit, with its marble balustrade and the inscription of the date 1609, is a detail of historical relevance. The chancel, with its triumphal arch in pink marble, houses 18th-century tiles that narrate the life of the patron saint and a Proto-Baroque gilded carved altarpiece, where the glory of angels and seraphim frames a pyramidal throne.

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