Church of São Gens of Boelhe

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Penafiel > Boelhe

Location

The Church of São Gens de Boelhe is located in the parish of Boelhe, municipality of Penafiel, district of Porto, next to the new Church of Boelhe, in a discreet location near the village center.

Heritage

This building has been classified as a National Monument since 1927 and is part of the Romanesque Route of Vale do Sousa.

Origin and History

The construction of the church dates back to the end of the 12th century and is Romanesque in style. It is associated with Queen Mafalda of Savoy, wife of D. Afonso Henriques. The patron saint of the church, São Gens de Arles, is a saint of French origin, little known in Portugal, which reinforces the foreign influence in the founding of the temple.

Abbey

The Church of São Gens de Boelhe was initially linked to the Abbey of Boelhe, belonging to the monks of Vila Boa do Bispo, who had the right to present the abbot.

Restorations

In 1950, the monument was restored by the Directorate-General of National Buildings and Monuments, remaining faithful to its original design.

Architecture

The church has a simple and robust structure, characteristic of Romanesque buildings. It has a quadrangular plan both in the main body and in the chancel. The facade is ornamented with a portico of three archivolts and a frieze with sculpted details. On the main facade, there is a small bell and a cross in the center.

Decoration

The exterior decoration includes figures carved in stone, such as bull's heads and other geometric motifs. The interior remains intact, with emphasis on a Romanesque basin located on the left side of the entrance.

Landscape

From the churchyard, it is possible to enjoy a beautiful view over the Tâmega River, with the church of Vila Boa do Bispo visible on the opposite bank.

Importance

Despite its rural location, the Church of São Gens de Boelhe is a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture in the region, preserving original elements that make it a valuable piece of the heritage of the municipality of Penafiel.

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

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