Parish Church of Navais

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Póvoa de Varzim > Navais

Location

Situated in the locality of Navais, in the municipality of Póvoa de Varzim, this parish church stands in a flat area, with its construction on a slightly elevated ground, which gives it a certain prominence in the landscape. The building is isolated, surrounded by a large forecourt paved with basalt, offering a serene space for visitors. The main access is through a staircase that leads to its portal.

Modern and Distinct Architecture

The Parish Church of Navais is a remarkable example of 20th-century religious architecture, with its construction dating back to the 1950s. It features a modernist language, departing from more traditional canons to assert itself with an imposing presence. Its main façade is oriented northwest and stands out due to the central bell tower, which integrates into the main body, creating a façade-tower. Elements such as the stepped volumes, false pilasters, and pinnacles contribute to its unique aesthetic, where a diverse use of materials such as brick, granite, and concrete can be observed.

The Interior and Its Details

Inside the church, with a longitudinal plan and a single nave, the exterior simplicity gives way to a richness of details. The choir loft projects over the nave, integrating into the volume of the tower. In the side spaces, we find symmetrical chapels, each with a pointed arch. One of these chapels, on the right, is decorated with figurative tiles representing Purgatory, while the one on the left illustrates the Baptism of Christ. The nave and the chancel are highlighted by a patterned tile wainscoting, and the presbytery features elegant marble coverings and flooring. The ceiling, with a pentagonal profile, is adorned with coffered lacunars, lending the space a welcoming and contemplative atmosphere.

Legacy and Community

The church is dedicated to Our Lady of Good Voyage, a central figure in the devotion of the community of Navais and Aguçadoura, with its feast celebrated annually in July, on the Sunday closest to the 25th. A detail that underlines the church's connection with its faithful and the diaspora is a plaque in the sub-choir. This plaque records the donation of the pews, made in 1974, by "children of this land residing in Brazil," testifying to the generosity and continuous connection of the community, even from afar.

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