Parish Church of Alcanhoes

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Santarém > Santarém > Alcanhões

Location:

Situated in the picturesque locality of Alcanhões, in the municipality of Santarém, the Parish Church of Alcanhões stands out prominently on a slightly elevated platform. This positioning grants it a harmonious visibility within the urban fabric. The churchyard, a walled and landscaped area, is accessed by staircases that overcome the difference in level relative to the surrounding streets, allowing for a smooth integration into the village environment. Its surroundings are characterized by traditional one and two-story houses, which complement the setting of this place of interest.

A Journey Through Time and Architecture:

The Parish Church of Alcanhões, also known as the Church of Saint Martha, is a building of great historical and artistic interest, whose construction dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, with interventions extending into the 19th century. Its architectural style combines elements of Mannerism and Proto-Baroque, with a touch of revivalism in later details. It features what is known as "plain style," characterized by sobriety and the predominance of straight lines and simple volumes in its conception. Its main facade, facing west, stands out for the elegance of its lateral pilasters and the rectangular portal, above which a large window is observed, which, together with the three-story bell tower, lends particular imposingness to the ensemble.

The Artistic Treasure of the Interior:

Upon entering, visitors are welcomed into a single-nave interior, where the decorative richness is fully revealed. The nave walls are entirely covered with polychrome patterned tiles, arranged in two superimposed registers, creating a visually captivating atmosphere. The wooden ceiling, composed of three planes, is highlighted by iron tie-beams. Within the body of the church, one can admire a wooden choir loft supported by columns with round shafts, and a stone pulpit, with railings enriched by Ionic columns. The main altar, the central element of the temple, is adorned with remarkable national-style gilded woodcarving, and in the tribune, an image of a crucified Christ. On the side altars, important religious representations are found, such as the image of the Virgin and Child, dating from the 16th or 17th centuries, and that of Saint Martha, the patron saint.

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