Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Santarém > Alcanena > Vila Moreira > Alcanena e Vila Moreira
The Parish Church of Vila Moreira, also known by its invocation to Our Lady of the Conception, is located in the heart of the tranquil village of Vila Moreira, within the municipality of Alcanena, in the district of Santarém. Its central position in the village establishes it as a visual and spiritual landmark for the inhabitants. Set within a landscape that reflects the characteristic rural environment of the region, the church invites quietude and contemplation of local life, marking the transition between the houses and the surrounding countryside.
The building of the Parish Church of Vila Moreira reflects the simplicity and solidity characteristic of popular religious architecture in Portugal. Although devoid of major ornamentation, its façade and structure reveal a dignity inherent to places of worship, built to endure and serve the community. As the epicentre of parish life, the church is not only a place for celebrating faith but also a meeting point for upholding local traditions. Its constant presence bears witness to the passage of time and the evolution of the community that built and preserves it.
Dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception, one of the most revered Marian titles in Portugal, this church is a place of profound devotion. The choice of this patron saint highlights the strong connection of the Vila Moreira community to Marian religious traditions, which are expressed through annual festivities and a spiritual sentiment that spans generations. The interior, though it may feature modest decoration, certainly holds sacred elements, such as altars and images, which invite visitors to introspection and to an understanding of the faith and spiritual heritage rooted in the locality.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.4703079,-8.6788565
Coordinates DMS: 39°28'13.1"N 08°40'43.9"W