Church of Saint Peter of Miragaia

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Centro Histórico

Location

It is located in the parish of Miragaia, in the municipality of Porto, near the Douro Riverbank, in one of the city's historical areas.

Origin

The church is linked to the old fishing community of Miragaia, with Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, being the saint to whom it is dedicated.

History

The current church is the most recent version of several that have been built on this same site since the Middle Ages, which reflects its importance over the centuries.

Relics of Saint Pantaleon

One of the most significant moments in the church's history occurred in the 15th century when Armenian Christians fleeing Constantinople brought the relics of Saint Pantaleon, a saint who was highly venerated at the time, to this place. Part of these relics remained in the Porto Cathedral, but an arm of the saint stayed in Miragaia.

Architecture

The church has a simple facade, with a portal and a large grated window, topped by a triangular pediment with the inscription "Divo Petro Dicata" (Dedicated to Saint Peter). The exterior cladding is in tiles, added in the 19th century.

Interior

The interior of the church consists of a single nave. Highlights include the altar of Our Lady of Carmel, which came from the former Convent of Monchique, and the altar of Saint Rita, dating from the 17th century. The chancel is decorated with gilded carvings.

Works and Reforms

The church has undergone several renovations over time. In 1672, Bishop Nicolau Monteiro renovated the building, and in 1740, a large part was demolished for a new construction, taking advantage of only some parts of the previous structure.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_São_Pedro_de_Miragaia

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