Lapa Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Lapa

Location

The Church of Lapa stands in the eponymous district, in the heart of Porto. Its elevated location on a platform gives it a remarkable presence in the urban environment, inviting a moment of pause and contemplation. The churchyard, with its imposing staircase, acts as a serene transition between the dynamism of the streets and the tranquility of the temple's interior, allowing for a unique perspective on the surrounding area.

History and Architecture

The construction of the Church of Lapa began in the mid-18th century, at the initiative of Father Ângelo Sequeira, who aimed to build a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lapa. Due to growing devotion, the first stone for a grander church was laid in 1756. The work extended for over a century, only being completed in 1863. Its original project was conceived by João Glama Ströberle and later developed and directed by the architect José de Figueiredo Seixas. This long construction timeline resulted in a building that harmonizes elements of the Rococo and Neoclassical styles, bearing witness to the resilience and faith of the brotherhood that erected it.

A Treasure of Art and Historical Legacy

The interior of the Church of Lapa reveals a rich artistic collection. At the high altar, visitors can admire the remarkable work of Porto carver Manuel Moreira da Silva, enhanced by the painting of Joaquim Rafael. Also noteworthy is a miniature nativity scene, attributed to the school of Machado de Castro, which captivates with its delicacy. However, the most emblematic and symbolically charged point is the granite mausoleum, located in the chancel, where the heart of D. Pedro IV rests, an express donation from the monarch to the city of Porto in recognition of the loyalty shown by its inhabitants during the Siege of 1832-1833. The interior walls are adorned with stained glass windows, some by Maumejean (Paris, 1927) at ground level, and others by R. Leone (1931) in the choir loft. In the chancel tribune, a large panel depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds captivates with its scale, being one of the largest in the city.

The Grand Pipe Organ

The Church of Lapa houses one of the grandest and most renowned pipe organs in the entire Iberian Peninsula. With its imposing structure and remarkable sonic complexity, this instrument is a landmark feature of the temple. With over four thousand pipes, ranging in size from millimeters to more than ten meters, and a considerable weight, the organ is a masterpiece of engineering and art. Its presence provides a unique acoustic experience, frequently serving as a venue for concerts that fill the sacred space with the magnificence of its melodies.

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