Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Torres Vedras > Turcifal > Centro

Location

The Church of Santa Maria Madalena stands prominently in the center of the town of Turcifal, located in the municipality of Torres Vedras. Its position is one of prominence, isolated by a walled churchyard and with easy access via a staircase, giving it a dominant altimetric presence in the surrounding urban landscape. From this elevated point, it is possible to observe the harmony of the village and its setting within the region.

Historical Legacy

The history of the Church of Santa Maria Madalena dates back to an older temple, already existing in the 16th century, of which vestiges such as armorial gravestones in the chancel are still preserved. The current edifice, which we admire, had its main construction in the 17th century. However, it was around 1700 that a major rebuilding campaign, financed by D. Pedro II, transformed the building, with its design attributed to João Antunes. Its completion occurred around the mid-18th century, with the bell tower being added in the second half of that century. Its historical and artistic value was recognized in 2002 when it was classified as a Property of Public Interest.

Style and Facade

This remarkable religious building presents a fusion of architectural styles, predominantly featuring Mannerist and Baroque elements. Its main facade, facing east, stands out for its monumentality. It is divided into three sections by double ashlar pilasters, with the central section displaying a straight-lintel portal, artistically surmounted by a sculpted ornamental frieze that includes vegetal motifs and a cherub. The bell tower, rising on the south side, completes the external grandeur, with its clock and a spire adorned with pinnacles.

The Marble Interior and Sacred Art

Upon entering the Church of Santa Maria Madalena, visitors encounter an interior of singular richness and remarkable stylistic coherence. The single nave is entirely clad with panels of polychrome marbles, creating a visually stunning environment under the barrel-vaulted ceiling. Along the sides of the nave, four chapels emerge on each side, opened by round arches, whose altars house a vast collection of 18th-century canvas paintings, addressing themes such as the Holy Family, Saint Michael, or the Immaculate Conception.

The rectangular chancel is preceded by an imposing triumphal arch and its walls are adorned with a wainscot of monochrome tiles. The high altar, in carved wood, is crowned by a painting attributed to Bento Coelho da Silveira, a master of the period. Of note in the baptistery chapel is a large stone font and a painting on panel depicting the Baptism of Christ, both from the 16th century. Some authors suggest that the richness of the marble cladding of the church's interior may have originated from surplus or recycled materials from the grandiose Mafra National Palace, a detail that adds an extra layer of historical interest.

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