Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Setúbal > Palmela > Águas de Moura > Avenida da Liberdade
The Parish Church of Saint Peter is located in the heart of the village of Águas de Moura, in the municipality of Palmela, with its facade facing Avenida da Liberdade. To access its churchyard, one must ascend a stone staircase, which leads to a walled area where three palm trees stand, symbolic elements present in the municipal coat of arms. This location offers a serene viewpoint with views of the Serra do Louro and its characteristic windmills, inviting a moment of contemplation.
The history of the Parish Church of Saint Peter dates back to the 14th century, with records of its existence as early as 1320. Over the centuries, the building underwent various transformations and resisted significant events. In the 16th century, it was the subject of important construction. However, in 1713, a large fire caused severe damage, followed by its near total ruin with the devastating 1755 earthquake. The church was, however, rebuilt and reopened, with works that extended until the mid-18th century. Later, in 1858, a new earthquake significantly affected its tile cladding, but once again, the community and heritage prevailed, with the church being restored in 1862.
The Church of Saint Peter, initially with a 16th-century Mannerist design, reflects the various reconstruction periods, featuring Baroque, Rocaille, and Neoclassical elements. The exterior of the church, with its simple and unpretentious lines, contrasts remarkably with the profuse expressive richness of its interior. The space, divided into three naves with Tuscan columns and a wooden ceiling, is a true compendium of sacred art.
The walls display a vast and significant collection of 18th-century Baroque tile panels, which illustrate episodes from the life of Saint Peter, as well as decorative patterns from the late 17th century. Visitors' gaze is drawn by the ceiling painting in trompe-l'oeil, which creates an illusion of depth and infinitude. Additionally, the church houses an important collection of gilded and painted carving, which combines with valuable canvas paintings and sculptures, representing saints and allegories of virtues, lending the space an atmosphere of great beauty and cultural significance.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.5829176,-8.6891387
Coordinates DMS: 38°34'58.5"N 08°41'20.9"W
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