Church of Our Lady of Maia

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Maia > Cidade da Maia > Vermoim

Location

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Maia is located in Vermoim, an area of the City of Maia, in the municipality of the same name. It is situated at a central point of this urban area, being easily identifiable in its local environment.

Architecture and Scale

This Catholic temple, dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Maia, stands out for its modern architecture and imposing size. Designed by architect António Corte-Real, the church was inaugurated in 1992, after the laying of the first stone in 1989. Its interior space is ample, designed to accommodate a large number of people, proving to be a large-scale work within Maia's urban landscape.

Interior Artworks

Inside the church, visitors can contemplate various religious artworks that enrich the space. One of the most striking elements is the large Resurrection stained-glass window, a creation by the painter Zita Magalhães, notable for its size and the vibrant play of colors that fills the environment. Also noteworthy are the imposing bronze image of Christ, a piece by sculptor Laureano Ribatua, and the Tabernacle, also in bronze, which offers a profound biblical interpretation. The Way of the Cross, composed of fourteen bronze sculpted panels, is another artistic expression to observe, authored by Bruno Marques, as well as the image of Nossa Senhora da Maia and the bas-relief of Saint Michael.

Exterior and Acoustic Details

The church's exterior complements its interior grandeur. The main bronze door, with its artistic details, is an element that invites careful observation. The bell tower is equally notable, housing a carillon composed of fourteen bells, whose sound resonates in the surroundings and contributes to the sonic identity of the local community.

A Community Legacy

The history of the construction of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Maia is linked to the active participation of the community. During the first celebration on site, before its completion, a parchment with thousands of signatures from Maia inhabitants, along with letters from relevant ecclesiastical figures, including Pope John Paul II, was symbolically placed on a stone where the column of the image of Christ now stands. This gesture underscores the deep bond between the temple and the people of Maia, reflecting its importance as a point of unity and faith from its genesis.

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