Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Santarém > Entroncamento > São João Baptista
The Church stands in a central point of the locality of Entroncamento, in the parish of São João Baptista. Its atrium, a wide and inviting space, offers a place for a pause and for observing the impressiveness of the building. In the center of this square, a stone cruzeiro stands out, positioned prominently and aligned with the main facade, presenting itself as a point of visual and historical interest in the context of visiting the site.
The history of this Church is closely linked to the growth of the locality of Entroncamento itself. Its first stone was laid in 1937, marking the beginning of an ambitious construction for the growing population. The temple was officially inaugurated in 1940, under the dedication to Nossa Senhora de Fátima, quickly becoming a pillar of community and religious life. Its construction was supported by various entities and the commitment of the population, reflecting the importance that this religious space assumed in the development of the town.
In its conception, the Church presents a sober and functional style, characteristic of the period of its construction in the 1940s. Its main facade, divided into three parts, displays a central body in robust stonework, topped by a bell tower. The side walls, although simpler, are complemented by elements that provide balance and harmony to the ensemble. Later, in the 1980s, a mortuary chapel was harmoniously annexed, preserving the visual coherence of the temple.
The cruzeiro located in the church's atrium is more than a decorative element; it is a historical testimony. Erected by the people of Entroncamento at the time of the Church's inauguration, this monument was created to commemorate two centenaries of great relevance to the history of Portugal: the eighth centenary of the kingdom's foundation and the third centenary of the Restoration of Independence. The inscriptions engraved on the cruzeiro perpetuate these dates, inviting reflection on crucial moments of Portuguese identity.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.4589149,-8.4711608
Coordinates DMS: 39°27'32.1"N 08°28'16.2"W
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