Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viana do Castelo > Melgaço > São Paio > Barata
Located in the peaceful village of São Paio, which is part of the municipality of Melgaço, the Church of São Paio stands isolated in the center of the village. The building rises alongside the main road that traverses this area, locally known as Barata, making it a visible landmark. The churchyard surrounding it is delimited by a stone wall and features large trees, as well as groups of hydrangeas near the frontage, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
The Church of São Paio is a landmark that reflects the passage of centuries and the continuous needs of the community. Although its foundation dates back to the medieval period, with evident vestiges such as the old arrow slits in the side facades and a primitive arched doorway, the church underwent various significant transformations. Historical documents from the 18th century already recorded a perception of disproportion in the building. Later, in the first half of the 20th century, important works were carried out, including the removal of internal arches to expand the space, a notable intervention that contributed to its current configuration and is marked on the main façade with the date 1930.
With a floor plan comprising a single nave and a narrower, lower chancel, the church exhibits a composition that reveals the various stages of its construction. The facades, predominantly in ashlar and exposed masonry, show an irregularity that tells the story of its interventions. The main façade's portal, a semicircular arch, is flanked by small columns with vegetal capitals, and the quadrangular bell tower, dating from 1900, stands out with its bulbous spire and the Latin cross that crowns it. On the right side façade, a niche with a semicircular arch, in Baroque style, houses the stone image of the patron saint, enriching the architectural ensemble.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 42.0916586,-8.2646588
Coordinates DMS: 42°05'30.0"N 08°15'52.8"W
Weather São Paio
On-duty Pharmacy São Paio
