Church of Saint Mary

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Maia > Silva Escura

Location

The Church of Santa Maria is located in the village of Silva Escura, in the municipality of Maia, within the area known locally as Cavadinha. Situated in a plain area, the church stands out for being in a more isolated setting, surrounded by a walled, landscaped churchyard. It is a space that invites calm and contemplation, with a calvary cross that complements the traditional atmosphere of the place, and access is via a staircase.

A Visit to the Past

Erected between the 17th and 18th centuries, the Church of Santa Maria de Silva Escura is a notable example of the religious architecture of the period. Over time, the temple underwent interventions that, in the 20th century, sought to preserve and enhance its most striking elements, adapting some areas without distorting its historical and artistic character.

Architectural Features

The church's main facade, sober and composed of a single section, is topped by a triangular pediment, with pinnacles and crosses adorning its gables. The quadrangular bell tower rises imposingly in continuity with the main facade, giving the building a discreet yet dignified presence in the landscape. Although the exterior suggests a formal simplicity, this is merely an introduction to the richness revealed within.

The Interior Splendor

Upon entering the Church of Santa Maria, visitors are immediately surprised by the opulence of its decoration. The nave, rectangular and spacious, is adorned with an azulejo wainscoting, and still retains traces of decorative paintings that once covered its walls. A pulpit stands out on the Epistle side, while a Baroque organ, set on a blue base, adds a note of art and sonority.

The chancel is a true highlight, with its figurative azulejo panels, arranged in two levels, narrating episodes from the life of the Virgin. The large altarpiece, profusely decorated with polychrome carved wood, features a central throne and niches housing images, beneath baldachins. The curved ceiling is equally remarkable, composed of painted wooden coffered panels framed by gilded carved wood, inviting the eye to look up and appreciate the mastery of artisans from bygone eras. The triumphal arch, separating the nave from the chancel, is flanked by gilded carved wood altarpieces, creating a visually stunning and coherent ensemble.

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