Church of Saint James, parish of Valadares

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Baião > Valadares > Godinho

Style and Period

Built in the late 13th century, with Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque influences. The medieval building underwent renovations throughout the 16th to 18th centuries.

Facade and Exterior

The main facade is simple, with a bell tower and a pointed arch portal. The corbels on the north facade display Romanesque elements typical of the Tâmega and Sousa region.

Interior Decoration

The interior stands out for the richness of the gilded wood carvings and the nave ceiling painted with Baroque details. There are also Joanine and side altarpieces in gilded wood carving.

Mural Paintings

Inside the chancel, mural paintings from the 15th century are preserved, representing scenes from the life of Christ and saints. These are a rare and valuable discovery of Portuguese religious art.

Integration into the Romanesque Route

The church is part of the Romanesque Route, a cultural itinerary that values the historical and religious heritage of the region.

Location

Located in a rural area, surrounded by terraced fields, the church is easily accessible and is in a quiet environment, ideal for those who appreciate history and architecture.

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