Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Lourinhã > Santa Bárbara > Marquiteira
Situated in the locality of Santa Bárbara, integrated into the Marquiteira urbanization, in the municipality of Lourinhã, the Parish Church of Santa Bárbara stands as a landmark for the local community. Its prominent presence in Marquiteira, an area that has undergone significant development, underscores its importance in the landscape and daily life of the parish.
The construction of the current Parish Church of Santa Bárbara originated from the need for a new and larger church for the then newly created parish. The idea, driven by Father Marcelino, was widely embraced by the population. The project was entrusted to Architect Lucínio Guia da Cruz, and the foundation stone was laid on August 16, 1956, in a ceremony presided over by the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, D. Manuel Gonçalves Cerejeira. Five years later, on August 13, 1961, the same Prelate inaugurated and consecrated the temple. This church stands out for being the first modern religious building constructed in the municipality of Lourinhã.
The interior of the church features large dimensions, designed in a hall format, which gives it a sense of spaciousness and luminosity. The main altar, elevated relative to the nave, has a Eucharistic table of dark marble. On the back wall, an imposing mosaic depicting the image of Saint Barbara, the patron saint, stands out.
Its façade is distinguished by its innovation. The main entrance, set back, is flanked by two side doors that provide access to the rest of the church body. Above the entrance, a canopy extends along the entire frontage, enveloping the tall bell tower located on the left side. On the opposite side, a tall cross is positioned above one of the doors, and a large opening with grating occupies a significant portion of the facade, allowing natural light into the temple's interior.
The history of devotion to Saint Barbara in Marquiteira is ancient, dating back to a primitive 17th-century church that served the community for centuries and which, after the inauguration of the new temple in 1961, was adapted into a parish center. The persistence of this devotion is visible in the community, which continues to celebrate its patron saint annually on December 4th. This day, dedicated to her who is invoked against thunderstorms and is the protector of artillerymen, gathers hundreds of people from various localities, reinforcing the sense of faith and tradition that the Parish Church of Santa Bárbara represents.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.2085645,-9.3151633
Coordinates DMS: 39°12'30.8"N 09°18'54.6"W
Weather Santa Bárbara
On-duty Pharmacy Santa Bárbara
