Parish Church of Saint Mary of Ulme

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Santarém > Chamusca > Ulme

Location:

The Parish Church of Santa Maria de Ulme is located in the peaceful village of Ulme, a hamlet nestled in the municipality of Chamusca. This place, with its rural and serene atmosphere, invites a tranquil visit. The church, as a central point of the community, is harmoniously integrated into the local landscape, offering a glimpse into the life and history of the region.

A History Reimagined:

The church that can be admired in Ulme today is not its original construction, but rather a temple inaugurated on November 1, 1961. However, this building stands exactly on the same spot where an older church existed, whose documented roots date back to at least the year 1442. The preceding structure was demolished in 1954 to make way for the current temple, which was blessed, at the time, by Cardinal Cerejeira. Although relatively simple in construction, its value lies in the continuity of a place of worship with centuries of history.

Artistic Treasures Inside:

Upon entering the Church of Santa Maria de Ulme, one discovers pieces of cultural value and significance. Among the highlights are the images of Saint Benedict, known as the African or Black Saint, and Saint Sebastian, the latter sculpted in Ançã stone. These artistic representations enrich the space, inviting a moment of contemplation on faith and artistic expression throughout time.

The Museological Center and Medieval Stelae:

One of the most distinctive aspects of the church is its small, but notable, museological center. Here, it is possible to observe a collection of fourteen medieval funerary stelae, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. These pieces were discovered during the replacement works of the old church in the 1950s. The presence of these stelae is of particular interest, as it suggests the existence of a place of worship and burial on this very site long before the Modern Age, revealing deep layers of local history.

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