Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Santarém > Alcanena > Louriceira
Situated in the tranquility of Louriceira, a locality within the municipality of Alcanena, the Parish Church of Our Lady of Conception stands as one of the central elements of the village. Its presence marks the local landscape, offering a point of reference and a glimpse into the history of the region, framed by the peaceful environment characteristic of these communities.
The Parish Church of Our Lady of Conception stands out in Louriceira as the building of greatest historical and architectural value in the locality. Its foundation dates back to 1511, establishing a deep connection with the region's past. Over the centuries, the temple underwent several interventions, with notable reconstructions in 1560 and 1942, which shaped its current appearance. Recently, its importance was formally recognized with its classification as a Property of Public Interest, underscoring its role in Portuguese cultural heritage.
The church predominantly features a Manueline style, although successive alterations have introduced other influences. Its facade is marked by a gable, flanked by a low, square-based tower, which evokes 16th-century aesthetics. The side doors, of Manueline design, display carved lintels, demonstrating the richness of detail. On the exterior of the chancel, it is possible to observe three ornamental gargoyles, elements that add a touch of singularity. In the main body of the building, blue and white 16th-century tiles stand out, which in earlier times would have covered the entire walls, giving it a particular hue.
Inside the church, history continues to unfold through its artistic and memorial elements. In the chancel, the pavement holds a remarkable sepulchral slab. This piece, which features a lion on the shield and a partially erased epitaph, is the resting place of Lopo Dias Fayn, a nobleman of the King's Household who died in 1560, and his wife. The church's statuary also merits attention, with several images from different periods, including one of Saint Lucy, a 16th-century stone niche in the main altar (later painted), a figure of Saint Vincent also from the 16th century, a representation of Our Lady from the early 17th century, and an expressive sculpture of Saint Sebastian, also from the 16th century.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.4274996,-8.6702115
Coordinates DMS: 39°25'39.0"N 08°40'12.8"W
Weather Louriceira
On-duty Pharmacy Louriceira
