Church of Saint Anthony of Couço

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Santarém > Coruche > Couço

Location:

The Church of Saint Anthony is located in the village of Couço, an integral part of the municipality of Coruche. It stands as a tranquil element in the urban fabric of the locality, reflecting the serene atmosphere of the community where it is situated and serving as a point of reference in the heart of the village.

Origins and History

This temple originates from the 17th century, with its construction specifically dated to 1635. It represents a historical landmark in the locality of Couço, bearing witness to different eras of the region's communal and religious life.

Exterior Architectural Features

The church displays characteristics that reflect the rural religious architecture of its time. On the exterior, its façade, topped by a simple bell-gable where two bells rest, draws attention. A welcoming porch, finished with a cross, precedes the main door, inviting entry.

Interior and Decoration

Upon entering, one encounters a single-nave space, simple in its structure but enriched by the decoration. The altarpiece stands out, crafted in gilded carving, housing various images, among which are the figures of Saint Sebastian and, naturally, Saint Anthony.

One of the most striking elements of the interior is the wall covering with 17th-century polychrome patterned tiles, which add color and historical visual interest to the space, illustrating the decorative aesthetic of the era in which the church was built.

The Devotion to Saint Anthony

The temple is dedicated to Saint Anthony, a saint of great popularity and veneration. The presence of his image on the main altar reinforces this connection. Devotion to the patron saint remains alive in the community of Couço, with the church being the center of the annual celebrations dedicated to Saint Anthony.

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