Church of Saint Peter of Alcanena

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Santarém > Alcanena > Alcanena > São Pedro

Location

Situated in the heart of the village of Alcanena, more precisely in Praça Marechal Carmona, the Church of Saint Peter occupies a central place in the town's urban fabric. Its position offers visitors a perspective on the life and architecture of Alcanena's center, being integrated into the area known as São Pedro.

Memory and Transformation

The history of the Church of Saint Peter of Alcanena is a testament to the profound religious and social transformations of the region throughout the centuries. The site where it stands today does not correspond to the first parish seat, which, in the 15th century, was located in São Pedro da Azinheira, a little further from the current town center.

In the 17th century, a new church was erected in the current Praça Marechal Carmona, dedicated to Santa Maria. However, in 1915, this temple was tragically destroyed by a fire. The current Church of Saint Peter, inaugurated in 1921, arose from the need to restore the core of local religious life. Its centenary, celebrated in 2021, was marked by conservation work and the installation of a memorial in the square, commemorating the existence of the old church.

Architectural Features

The Church of Saint Peter features a revivalist style, noticeable on its main facade. The highlight is its Neo-Gothic portal, with an arch and archivolts that invite contemplation. The building's structure is marked by a central body higher than the lateral ones, culminating in a distinct bell tower that projects over the surroundings.

The tall lateral windows allow abundant natural light into the interior space, and an ecclesiastical coat of arms, crafted in stonework, adorns the exterior, adding a detail of aesthetic relevance.

Interior and Artistic Heritage

Upon passing through the portal, visitors find an interior with simple and sober lines, which, nevertheless, houses pieces of considerable artistic and historical value. The chancel, separated from the nave by an arch, features a marble altar resting on two columns, revealing a restrained elegance.

Among the most striking elements of the church's heritage are an 18th-century image of Saint Peter, the patron saint of the village, and a large-sized Crucified Christ. Both works enrich the space and have a notable provenance, having been transferred from the old Mosteiro das Francesinhas.

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