Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Santarém > Abrantes > Martinchel > Rua da Igreja
In Martinchel, within the municipality of Abrantes, the Church of Martinchel stands on Rua da Igreja. It is situated on an elevated churchyard, accessed by a frontal staircase, offering a serene and urban setting, typical of riverside settlements along the Tagus.
In this outdoor space, punctuated by a few trees that invite repose, one also finds an ancient cruzeiro (stone cross), a vestige of past times that complements the tranquil atmosphere of the location.
Despite its current configuration mostly dating from the 20th century, the presence of a religious temple in Martinchel has roots that stretch much further back. The first references to the existence of a church in this location, then mentioned as "Igreja de São Martinho", appear as early as the 14th century, with records from 1320 integrating it into the Abrantes territory and the diocese of Guarda.
Over the centuries, the building underwent several phases of transformation. There was a probable reconstruction in the 17th century and, later, significant interventions in the 20th century, namely in 1959 and 1973, which shaped its current appearance, marking a continuity of faith and community over time.
The Church of Martinchel, dedicated to São Miguel (Saint Michael), features a rectangular plan and a harmonious composition of volumes, including the main nave, the chancel, and lateral annexes. The facades are predominantly white, rendered and painted, contrasting with a grey plinth and concrete details that highlight its structure.
The main facade, facing southwest, stands out for its gabled design, topped by a Latin cross, and an access porch with a depressed arch that invites entry. On the right side, an imposing bell tower houses the bells and a circular clock, elements that give the church a notable presence in the locality's profile.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.5379757,-8.3098168
Coordinates DMS: 39°32'16.7"N 08°18'35.3"W
Weather Martinchel
On-duty Pharmacy Martinchel
