Parish of Lourinhã

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Lourinhã > Lourinhã > Lourinhã e Atalaia

Location

The Parish Church of Lourinhã, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation or the Castle Church, is located in one of the highest areas of Lourinhã village, in its historic center. Its position offers extensive views over the surrounding area. Access to the temple is via a staircase, inviting exploration of this emblematic local landmark.

An Ancient History

This place of worship has deep roots in Lourinhã's history. Its origin dates back to the 12th century, when a primitive Romanesque chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of the Annunciation, was erected within the walls of the old castle. It is believed that this initial construction was due to D. Jordão, the first lord of Lourinhã, after the reconquest of the region.

The building admired today began to be constructed at the end of the 14th century, during the reign of D. João I, adopting the Gothic style. Over the centuries, it underwent several transformations and restorations, some of which altered its original design. In the 19th century, the temple was even in ruins, serving as a cemetery. However, in the 20th century, a series of recovery works restored its dignity, culminating in its reopening for worship in 1991, an important moment for the local community.

Gothic Architecture

The Lourinhã Parish Church is a notable example of Gothic architecture. Its main façade, facing west, stands out with its entrance portal, adorned with five archivolts resting on slender columns. The capitals of these slender columns are historiated, meaning they tell stories through their sculptures, with scenes from the Old and New Testaments, including representations of the Crucifixion of Christ and guardian angels.

Above the portal, a carved rose window, similar to that of Évora Cathedral, allows light into the interior. The temple is composed of three naves, with the central nave being higher and separated from the side naves by arcades of slender pillars. The interior, sometimes dimly lit, invites observation of the capitals that crown the columns. These capitals, despite repeating motifs from other monuments, display remarkable naturalism and expressiveness, revealing influences of the French Gothic school in their rich decorative sculpture.

Sculptural Details

Exploring the church's interior, you will discover a series of details that enrich the visit. The baptismal font, carved in the nave, is octagonal in shape and features faces turned towards the center, decorated with different types of crosses. Near one of the side doors, there is a holy water font.

The space also houses several tomb chests, including an armed tombstone that belonged to the Landeiro family, dated 1564, and a simpler tomb believed to be that of D. Jordão, the knight who marked the foundation of Lourinhã. In the main chapel, you will find a square niche, once used as a tabernacle, framed by rope motifs. It is also possible to identify a profile engraved in the stone of one of the windows, believed to represent D. Lourenço Vicente, an archbishop who played a fundamental role in the consecration of this church in the 14th century.

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