Church of Santa Maria of Azurara

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Vila do Conde > Azurara

Location

Located in Azurara, in the municipality of Vila do Conde, district of Porto, it is a national monument of historical and religious importance.

Construction Period

The church was built between the 16th and 17th centuries, having been authorized by D. Manuel I to replace the old Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Apresentação. The main work was completed around 1522, with the addition of the bell tower at the end of the 17th century.

Architecture and Style

The Church of Santa Maria de Azurara mixes Manueline style elements, with austere features and decorative characteristics inspired by 16th-century models, such as the sculpted ornaments on the main portal. The building is notable for its robust appearance, with towers and battlements visible on the exterior.

Exterior Elements

The structure is decorated with buttresses that make it imposing and reinforce the medieval aspect of the church.

Interior of the Church

Divided into three naves with perfect arches, the interior space is supported by pillars decorated with motifs inspired by nature, which is characteristic of the Manueline style. The chancel, the work of master Gonçalo Lopes, exhibits a vaulted ceiling with ribs.

Tiles and Altars

The tile lining of the chancel, created in the 18th century by the workshop of António Rifarto, is a detail that enriches the interior space. The side altars include 16th-century paintings, among which the altarpiece of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, by Francisco Correia, stands out.

Altarpiece of the Chancel

One of the most striking pieces is the main altarpiece of the chancel, carved by Francisco Machado in 1720, which adds artistic and historical value to the ensemble.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Santa_Maria_de_Azurara

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