Church of Saint Peter of Roriz

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Santo Tirso > Roriz > Fontão

Location

The Church of São Pedro de Roriz, also known as the Monastery of São Pedro de Roriz, is located in the parish of Roriz, in the municipality of Santo Tirso, in the district of Porto.

Heritage

It is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in the Douro Litoral region and was classified as a National Monument in 1910.

History

The church is linked to an old monastery founded by D. Toure Serrão around 1070, although the first known document about the monastery dates from 1096. In 1173, Afonso I of Portugal donated the monastery to the Order of Canons Regular of Saint Augustine.

Construction

The current church was built between the 12th and 13th centuries, divided into five phases. The first phase included the chancel and the beginning of the nave, with emphasis on the hexagonal plan and detailed capitals. The following phases involved the execution of the portals, the construction of the sacristy and the chapel of Santa Maria, until the completion of the triumphal arch at the end of the 13th century.

Consecration

The church was consecrated at the end of the 13th century and functioned as a monastery until 1572, when the monastic community became extinct, but the local community continued to use the space.

Changes of Ownership

After the extinction of the monastery, the property belonged to the Society of Jesus until 1759. Since then, it has had several owners, including the Crown and the University of Coimbra, until it was acquired by the Viscount of Roriz in the 19th century.

Restoration

In 1983, the church underwent a restoration process promoted by the Directorate-General for National Buildings and Monuments.

Architectural Elements

The remains of the old church, dating from between 1070 and 1170, include a figurative capital, a frieze, an impost and two bases, which can be appreciated by visitors.

Visit

The Church of São Pedro de Roriz is a place of great historical and architectural interest, ideal for tourists who want to learn more about the cultural heritage of Portugal.

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

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