Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Santarém > Chamusca > Vale de Cavalos > Alto da Coelha
The Mother Church of Vale de Cavalos stands in the locality of the same name, within the municipality of Chamusca, in the district of Santarém. Positioned in the area known as Alto da Coelha, its presence serves as a landmark for the village. Its location is integrated into the characteristic environment of the Ribatejo lands, where tranquility and a predominantly rural landscape define the surrounding scenery, inviting an experience of quietude and observation.
The architecture of the Mother Church of Vale de Cavalos reflects the functionality and sobriety typical of parochial religious buildings in the region. It generally features a main façade with simple lines, sometimes topped by a bell tower that rises above the village, making it a visual reference point. Inside, the single-nave structure draws the eye towards the main altar, where the elements of worship are concentrated. The materials used and the overall design mirror the construction techniques and aesthetics predominant in rural Portuguese sacred architecture of past centuries, which favored sturdiness and durability over exuberant ornamentation.
Since its foundation, the Mother Church has been the spiritual heart of the Vale de Cavalos community. Over the centuries, it has witnessed and been the stage for countless religious celebrations, rites of passage, and crucial moments in the lives of its inhabitants, consolidating itself as a fundamental element of local identity. It represents not only a place of faith but also a valuable repository of the locality's collective memory, where generations have gathered to share beliefs and traditions. Its continued presence underscores the deep connection between the building and the daily and spiritual life of the people of Vale de Cavalos, perpetuating the history and faith of a community.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.2902406,-8.5198606
Coordinates DMS: 39°17'24.9"N 08°31'11.5"W
Weather Vale de Cavalos
On-duty Pharmacy Vale de Cavalos
