Parish Church of Brogueira

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Santarém > Torres Novas > Brogueira > Brogueira, Parceiros de Igreja e Alcorochel

Location

Situated in Brogueira, a locality in the municipality of Torres Novas, the Parish Church of São Simão stands on a slightly elevated position, in a mid-slope environment. It is surrounded by a walled churchyard, accessed by an inviting staircase in front of its main facade.

In this churchyard, a calvary with reliefs representing instruments of the Passion stands out, along with a cartouche bearing the date 1660. At its base, three more plaques are observed with significant dates: 1140, 1640, and 1940, offering a glimpse into the long history and memories of the community.

Architectural Features

The construction of the church likely dates back to the 17th century, although it has undergone interventions throughout the centuries. The main facade, facing west, presents a sober structure, crowned by an angular gable and a cross. The central portal, with the date 1869 engraved on its lintel, is surmounted by a round-arched window.

On the right side, the bell tower, a distinct element with its corner pillars and round-arched openings, culminates in pinnacles and a prismatic spire. A door on the north side facade, inscribed with the date 1671, suggests one of the earliest construction phases, revealing the architectural evolution of the building.

The Interior and Its Details

Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by a space with a wooden ceiling composed of five longitudinal planes. The rounded high choir features a wooden balustrade and is supported by columns imitating marble. On the Epistle side, a baptistery chapel displays an arch dated 1891, flanked by an artistically crafted holy water font.

The collateral altars draw attention with their Joanine gilded carved retables, contrasting with a pearl background. The arch connecting the nave to the chancel is made of ashlar and features pillars adorned with Mannerist cartouches. In the chancel, covered by a barrel vault, a polychrome retable reveals a transitional style, from the National to the Joanine, inviting contemplation of its details.

Memory and Resilience

The history of the Brogueira church is marked by its resilience in the face of adversity. Although the parish was established in the 17th century, the temple faced significant challenges over time. One of the most critical moments was the 1755 earthquake, which caused severe damage to the chancel, requiring repairs that extended over several years.

In 1760, due to its ruined state, the church was even closed and, curiously, used as a temporary cemetery, which led to the transfer of the parish to a nearby hermitage. The chancel vault was rebuilt in the second half of the 18th century, and the bell tower saw a reconstruction of its upper body in 1935, testifying to the building's capacity to adapt and endure as the center of local religious life.

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