Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Setúbal > Palmela > Quinta do Anjo > Cabanas
The Church of São Gonçalo is located in Cabanas, part of the Quinta do Anjo parish, in the municipality of Palmela. It is situated in a predominantly rural environment, characterized by its tranquility and isolation. Surrounded by a vast wooded area, where large cork oaks and stone pines stand out, this church is set in a pleasant natural landscape. It is positioned at a crossroads, at the entrance of the old Quinta das Torres, offering a point of interest for those exploring the Arrábida region.
Next to the site, there is a picnic park, providing a space for a relaxing break in communion with the surrounding nature, which extends across a plain landscape.
This temple stands out for its unusual architecture, featuring an octagonal plan, a shape uncommon in Portugal for this type of religious building. One of its most notable features is the hypostyle porch, meaning supported by columns, which surrounds part of the main structure. This element gives the church a unique aesthetic and a welcoming appearance.
Its walls are of great simplicity, whitewashed, with few openings and smooth facades, contributing to a robust and discreet silhouette. The harmony between its volumes (the chapel, the porch, and the sacristy) and the variety of its roofs add a picturesque touch to its design. Inside, the space is unique and simple, with a masonry altar and plain walls, where oval windows stand out, allowing light to enter.
It is believed that the church's foundation dates back to the 16th century, having been commissioned by the Marquises of Minas, former owners of the neighboring Quinta da Torre. Throughout history, this place was a pilgrimage site, associated with the cult of livestock protection, reflecting the community's connection to the region's rural life.
Inside, one of the most valuable elements was the altar frontal, once covered with 17th-century polychrome majolica tiles. These tiles, adorned with vegetal motifs, featured an oval medallion in the center with the representation of Saint Gonçalo. A tombstone on the pavement, with the inscription "SA DE MADANE / LADIAS 1620", attests to the antiquity of the site and its historical roots. Due to its architectural and cultural value, the Church of São Gonçalo has been classified as a Property of Municipal Interest since 2002, ensuring its preservation as part of the local heritage.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.554959,-8.972678
Coordinates DMS: 38°33'17.9"N 08°58'21.6"W
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