Parish Church, Borba de Godim

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Felgueiras > Borba de Godim

Location

The Parish Church of Borba de Godim is located in the tranquil locality of Borba de Godim, within the municipality of Felgueiras. It stands as a landmark in the heart of the parish, bearing witness to community life throughout generations. Its presence gently asserts itself on the landscape, inviting discovery of a space of faith and local history.

A Testament to Eras

The origins of the Parish Church of Borba de Godim date back to the Romanesque period, with indications of its foundation in the late 10th century. The first documentary reference to the parish appears in 1136, linked to a sentence by D. Afonso Henriques. Over the centuries, the building underwent various transformations, including significant reconstructions in the 16th century and reforms in the 17th century. The tower, for instance, is a later addition, dating from the late 18th century, and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Lurdes (Our Lady of Lourdes), from the same period, exhibits architectural characteristics distinct from the older parts, revealing the layers of history that the church has accumulated.

Inside, near the chancel arch, a stone staircase can be observed, which was transformed into a mausoleum, preserving the remains of historical figures, such as Manuel de Moura Coutinho, who died in 1546. This superposition of architectural and artistic elements demonstrates the continuous evolution of the temple over time.

The Interior and Sacred Art

Although the church presents an exterior simplicity, its interior reveals a richness that deserves attention. The walls are clad with old tiles, lending a particular atmosphere to the space. The art of gilded wood carving is visible in various areas, adorning the tribune, altars, and chancel arch with elaborate details. The ceiling, in turn, is paneled and enriched with oil paintings, complementing the artistic ensemble. Among the devotional images are representations of Saint Michael, the Patron Saint of Borba de Godim, as well as Our Lady of Fátima, Our Lady of Health, Our Lady of Guia, Saint Luke, Saint Boniface, Saint Sebastian the Martyr, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which comprise the religious heritage of the place.

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