Old Parish Church of Saint Matthew

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Santarém > Santarém > Santarém > Alfange

Location

In the Alfange area, in Santarém, stands the Old Parish Church of São Mateus. This historic building is uniquely positioned in an isolated spot on the eastern slope of the hill where the city of Santarém developed. Its location is particular, next to a busy thoroughfare that connects to the Ribeira, from which it is separated by a high wall. Its semi-urban setting, midway up the slope, offers a unique perspective of the surrounding area.

A Testament to the Past

The history of the Old Parish Church of São Mateus has deep roots, with its first documented mention appearing as early as 1261. Since that remote time, it served as the center of the parish of São Mateus, being regularly visited by preaching priests. The building seen today began to take shape in the 16th and 17th centuries: the chancel was built in the 16th century, and the main nave, along with its two portals, was erected in the late 17th century. During the 17th and 18th centuries, this church enjoyed particular importance, being under the purview of the Duke of Cadaval and functioning as a collegiate church, which attests to its relevance in the religious and social life of Santarém at the time.

Architecture and Artistic Details

The architecture of the Old Parish Church of São Mateus displays a combination of styles, with a predominance of the Mannerist and Baroque periods. Its longitudinal plan is characterized by a simple rectangular nave leading to a square-shaped chancel, covered by a dome. The most notable elements of its façade are the portals. Both the main portal, on the western side, and the lateral one, on the northern façade, stand out for their elaborate Baroque ornamentation. Among these stone details, a cartouche with the Latin inscription "MATHAEUM NOMINE", alluding to the invocation of the saint, stands out. The construction consists of stone and brick masonry, plastered and whitewashed, with stone delineating the quoining and framing the decorative elements of the portals, lending it a robust and traditional aesthetic.

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