Church of São Martinho de Lordelo

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Porto > Lordelo do Ouro > Aleixo

Location

The Church of São Martinho de Lordelo is located in the parish of Lordelo do Ouro, in the city of Porto. Situated within the urban area of Aleixo, its address is Rua das Condominhas, standing out in the street's building fabric, near the intersection with Rua do Campo Alegre.

The History of Construction

The foundations of the current Church of São Martinho de Lordelo were laid in 1764, on a site believed to have housed an older chapel, with references to an original temple dating back to 1278. Its construction was a lengthy process, spanning over a century until the completion of the bell tower in 1867. This prolonged period of building was marked by significant historical events, such as the French Invasions and the Siege of Porto, which naturally imposed considerable delays on the work. Throughout the centuries, the church was under Royal Patronage, underscoring its historical and ecclesiastical importance in the region.

A Look at the Architecture

The church features a Latin cross plan, with a main façade that captures the eye with its symmetry. Flanked by two bell towers and topped by a curvilinear pediment, the façade is highlighted by a robust granite frieze and ashlar pilasters. A niche above the main door houses the image of the patron saint, Saint Martin. One of the most characteristic elements is the exterior tile cladding (azulejo), a later addition that gives the church a peculiar visual identity, with the first interventions dating back to 1888 on the towers and front, and the entirety of the body in 1949, with renovations in 1982.

The Interior and Its Details

Inside, the Church of São Martinho reveals a wide nave, covered by a barrel-vaulted ceiling with coffers, and side chapels leading to a deep chancel. The most prominent artistic elements include the gilded woodwork, various paintings, and sculptures that adorn the spaces. The high altar, in particular, displays a large panel depicting the Blessed Sacrament and the death of Saint Martin, inviting a moment of contemplation.

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