Church of Saint John the Baptist

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Santarém > Cartaxo > Cartaxo > Ribeira do Cartaxo

Location

The Church of Saint John the Baptist stands in the town of Cartaxo, municipality of Cartaxo, integrated into the Ribeira do Cartaxo urbanisation. Its central position makes it a recognisable landmark in the local urban landscape, framed by a square that invites observation of its facade.

A Layered History

This church plays a fundamental role as the mother church of the parish of Cartaxo. Its history is marked by a plaque on the facade, which recalls the date of its consecration, which occurred on August 31, 1522. Although the current building underwent a significant reconstruction in the 17th century, modifying its original appearance, the church continues to be a testament to the historical and religious evolution of the region.

The Interior and Its Details

Upon entering the church, one discovers a single nave of ample proportions, inviting serene exploration. The wooden ceiling features a distinctive configuration unfolding into three planes. The most notable ensemble inside, dating from the 18th century, is found in the main chapel. The walls of this new chapel are covered with blue and white tile panels, illustrating scenes from the life of Saint John the Baptist, the church's patron saint. The High Altar, in turn, displays rich gilded wood carving, enhancing the beauty and solemnity of the space.

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