Parish Church of Bonfim

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Monte do Bonfim

Location

Located in the city of Porto, the Bonfim Parish Church majestically rises in the area known as Monte do Bonfim, which gives its name to the parish itself. Its elevated position offers a unique view of the urban surroundings. Access to the churchyard, which precedes the church, is via a staircase, inviting a pause to appreciate the grandeur of the building and the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

From Past to Present

The history of the Bonfim Church dates back to an initial chapel on the site, documented since the late 18th century. With the growth of the city of Porto and the advance of industrialization, the parish of Bonfim expanded, and the chapel became too small to accommodate the growing population. Hence arose the need for a new and larger temple. The construction of the current main church took place between 1874 and 1894, dedicated to Santa Clara and Senhor do Bonfim (Lord of Bonfim), two important invocations for the local community.

Neoclassical Elegance

The architecture of this church is a beautiful example of the neoclassical style that marked the era of its construction. Its facade, with sober and harmonious lines, impresses with its grandeur and symmetry. It is composed of two registers and crowned by a triangular pediment, where the Paschal Lamb, a symbol of Jesus Christ, can be seen in high relief. At the top of the pediment, a sculpture represents the virtue of Faith. The main entrance, a single portico, is flanked by windows and features Latin inscriptions, such as "Domino Iesu Dicata" ("dedicated to the Lord Jesus") and others that express this to be a "sacred place, the house of God and gate of heaven," and invite to "sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done marvelous things." Two imposing bell towers, over forty-two meters high, flank the facade, contributing to its distinct silhouette in the urban landscape.

An Interior of Harmony

Upon entering, the visitor encounters an interior that reflects the same sobriety and harmony as the exterior. The main nave is covered by a barrel vault, enriched with delicate stucco work. The main altar, also of neoclassical inspiration, stands out with a panel depicting the Calvary, a work by the painter Júlio Costa. In the choir loft, one can admire a pipe organ, which has a peculiar history, as it was acquired at the end of the 19th century but is older, having come from the Benedictine Monastery of Avé Maria, demolished to make way for the São Bento Station. The nave walls are marked by Ionic pilasters, which delineate the various side chapels, where neoclassical altarpieces are found, some of them in polychrome carving in white with golden details, dedicated to various religious figures.

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