Church of Saint Martin of Cedofeita

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Cedofeita

Location

The Church of São Martinho de Cedofeita is located in Largo do Priorado, in the parish of Cedofeita, in the city of Porto.

History

The origin of the church is uncertain, but it is believed to date back to the time of the Suebi, a population that inhabited the region. There are two main theories about its foundation: the first suggests that the Suebi king Rechiar built it in 446; the second argues that it was King Theodemir, in 559, who ordered the church to be erected in gratitude for the healing of his son, Ariamir, after an intervention by Saint Martin of Tours.

Legend

The story of Theodemir is shrouded in legend, which tells that he sent emissaries with offerings to Saint Martin of Tours, asking for help for his son's illness. After the cure, the king and the Suebi people converted to Christianity. The relic of Saint Martin of Tours, brought by the bishop of Braga, is kept in the church.

Architecture

The church has undergone several alterations over the centuries. Its Romanesque form was consolidated with the construction of the Cedofeita Monastery in the early 12th century. In 1742, the prior D. Luís de Sousa Carvalho made significant modifications, altering its original appearance. In the 1930s, the Directorate of National Buildings and Monuments restored the facade and tower, removing many later decorative elements.

New Parish Church

The new Parish Church of São Martinho de Cedofeita, located 50 meters from the Romanesque church, began to be designed in 1895, but construction faced financial and political difficulties. The first stone was laid in 1899, but the works were interrupted in 1911. The project was resumed in 1963, but the final construction has not yet been completed.

Attractions

The church is an important historical and architectural landmark of the city of Porto, attracting visitors for its rich history and the beauty of its facade.

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

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