Church of Saint Mary

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Sintra > Sintra

Location

The Church of Santa Maria is located on a hillside in the town of Sintra, a steeply sloped site that gives it a unique position within the historic urban fabric. Surrounded by a large forecourt, this temple was once the heart of the town's main suburb, serving as a point of reference and the center of parish life. Its setting offers an interesting perspective on the surroundings, in an area that breathes the rich history of Sintra.

Historical and Heritage Testimony

This remarkable building stands as one of the most important examples of Gothic style in the Sintra region. Its initial construction dates back to the second half of the 12th century, shortly after the reconquest of the town by D. Afonso Henriques, becoming one of the first parishes established by the monarch. The profound historical and architectural relevance of the Church of Santa Maria is recognized by its classification as a National Monument since 1922, and it is part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Marks of Time on the Architecture

Over the centuries, the Church of Santa Maria has undergone several transformations that have shaped its current appearance. Its predominant Gothic style is the result of a significant reconstruction carried out between the 13th and 14th centuries, which replaced the original, smaller structure. However, the passage of time and significant events, such as the 1755 earthquake, have left their mark. Later interventions, particularly in the 18th century, introduced elements of Baroque character, visible on the main facade, which harmonize with the older features. Inside, the layout with three staggered naves, separated by pointed arches, and the polygonal main chapel with a ribbed vault reveal the influence of Mendicant Gothic architecture.

Details of Interest

Visitors to the Church of Santa Maria can discover details that tell unique stories. Inside, it is still possible to see some panels of Hispano-Moorish tiles, remnants of a 16th-century redecoration that once covered the altars. One of its most distinctive elements is its bell tower, located on the south side of the facade. It houses a bronze bell cast in 1468, whose inscription in Carolingian Gothic script is a rare and intriguing piece, harkening back to medieval chants dedicated to Saint Agatha. Observing the capitals of the columns and a peculiar holy water font, sculpted as twisted trunks, adds to the experience of exploring this temple with so many layers of history.

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