Church of Saint Mary Magdalene / Parish Church of Alcobertas

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Santarém > Rio Maior > Alcobertas > Valteira

Location

The Church of Santa Maria Madalena, also known as the Parish Church of Alcobertas, is situated in the Valteira area, an integral part of the locality of Alcobertas, in the municipality of Rio Maior. This building stands as a landmark in the village's landscape, easily identifiable in its urban and rural surroundings.

A Millennial Past

This church is distinguished by a fascinating historical particularity that dates back to prehistoric times. Inside, one of the side chapels is, in reality, a megalithic funerary monument, an ancient dolmen composed of a chamber and corridor. This dolmen, after its Christianization, was adapted to function as a chapel and, later, in the 16th century, was elevated to the status of a parish church, becoming the spiritual heart of Alcobertas. This fusion of an ancient place of worship with Christian religious architecture bestows upon the temple a rare and remarkable historical and cultural depth.

Details that Tell the Story

Over the centuries, the building underwent various transformations that shaped its current appearance. The exterior of the church features a porch preceding the main door, above which a niche with an image dating back to the 15th century can be observed. Inside, the walls of part of the older nave are covered with patterned tiles from the 17th century, some of which still retain their original design. Also noteworthy are the Baptismal Font and the Holy Water Font, both remarkable pieces from the 16th century. The Baptismal Font has a short base and a hexagonal basin, carved with albarrada and half-sphere decorations, while the Holy Water Font, from the same period, shares a similar artistic characteristic, with a hexagonal basin ornamented with interwoven flowers. These works represent testaments to the artistic evolution and faith within the community over time.

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