Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Santarém > Abrantes > Abrançalha de Cima > São Vicente e São João e Alferrarede
The Church of Our Lady of Light is located in the village of Abrançalha de Cima, part of the parish of São Vicente e São João e Alferrarede, in the municipality of Abrantes. This place of worship stands in an area with close ties to Paúl, serving as a point of reference for the communities living there.
The history of the Church of Our Lady of Light dates back to the 16th century, with its foundation very likely dating to 1521. Over the centuries, the building underwent transformations, being the subject of a major renovation in 1726, under the patronage of Luiz de Valladares Sotto Mayor. Its existence, spanning over five hundred years of devotion and worship, reflects the perennial nature of faith and cultural values rooted in this place.
The church features a simple structure, composed of a single nave leading to the main altar. Inside, one of the most prominent elements is the main image of Our Lady of Light, carved in stone. This figure is central to local devotion, symbolizing light and maternity through the depiction of the child the Virgin holds in her arms. On the exterior of the building, a bell tower, added in the 1990s, completes the facade, maintaining its traditional function of calling the faithful.
More than a mere religious building, the Church of Our Lady of Light is a gathering hub for the communities of Abrançalha de Cima and Paúl. Over the centuries, this space has been the stage for countless gatherings and shared experiences, where local people expressed their faith, shared joys, and sought comfort in times of distress. The strong connection of the population to the church is evident in their care and dedication to the preservation and decoration of the space, underscoring its fundamental role in transmitting the region's cultural and social values.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.4952296,-8.2147935
Coordinates DMS: 39°29'42.8"N 08°12'53.3"W
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