Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Setúbal > Santiago do Cacém > Abela
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Abela stands majestically atop a hill, dominating the landscape of the small village of Abela, in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. Its isolated and elevated position gives it a notable presence, standing out on the horizon and offering a visual landmark in the surrounding area.
The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Abela is deeply linked to the resilience and devotion of the local community. Legends tell of an apparition of Our Lady by the Corona stream, inspiring the construction of a primitive church at that location. However, this first edifice was repeatedly plagued by floods from the stream, which ruined it several times.
Faced with this adversity, the population decided to erect a new temple in a safer and more prominent location. Thus, at the end of the 19th century, the church that can be visited today was built on a high point of the village, free from floods and standing out in the landscape. This change symbolizes the determination and faith of those who reside here.
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Abela is an interesting example of the eclectic and revivalist architecture that marked the 19th century. Attributed to the architect Augusto Fuschini, its conception drew from various sources of inspiration, resulting in a fusion of elements that give it a particular identity.
A strong neo-Romanesque influence predominates, with features that allude to French architecture of the period. Its main facade clearly shows the imposing attached bell tower, forming a striking facade-tower. The entrance portal, a perfect round arch with multiple archivolts supported by plain columns, and the windows ending in similar arches, are characteristic of this style. However, elements from other eras are also observed, such as the stepped buttresses of Gothic origin and the truncated-pyramidal pinnacles, which recall the Mannerist architecture typical of Southern Portugal, creating a diverse and noteworthy architectural ensemble.
Upon entering the temple, visitors encounter an interior that complements the exterior sobriety. The main nave features a flat ceiling with curved, stuccoed sides, creating a sense of spaciousness.
One of the most notable elements is the polychrome tile wainscoting in blue and yellow, of industrial manufacture, which covers the side walls of the nave. The pattern, evoking the shape of corn cobs, adds a decorative and characteristic touch to the space. The high choir, with its masonry guardrail, and the triumphal arch preceding the chancel, are other details to appreciate in the church's interior layout.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.9999361,-8.5573186
Coordinates DMS: 37°59'59.8"N 08°33'26.3"W
Weather Abela
On-duty Pharmacy Abela
