Parish Church of Álvora

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > Álvora > Chã

Location

The Parish Church of Álvora stands uniquely in the locality of Álvora, in the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez. It is situated on a stonework platform, in the Chã area, which gently adapts to the slope of the terrain. This position offers a privileged perspective over the surrounding area, making it a point of interest that combines heritage and landscape.

Architecture and Historical Legacy

This religious edifice presents a remarkable example of Mannerist and Baroque architecture, reflecting its construction throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. The church, with a Latin cross plan, is characterized by its single nave, a slightly accentuated transept, and an imposing chancel. On its main façade, a family coat of arms stands out, enveloped by shell motifs and phytomorphic details, topped by flames or pinnacles that adorn the pilastered corners. The bell tower, attached to the main body, contributes to the distinctive silhouette of the temple.

The church's foundation dates back to 1372. However, its main reconstruction occurred between 1683 and the early years of the 18th century, by grace of D. Pedro II. Over the years, several masters and architects left their mark, such as the engineer Michel L’École, who drew up notes for the work in 1683. Later, in the 18th century, the construction of the Calvary Chapel was attributed to the renowned architect André Soares, an unavoidable name in Portuguese Baroque. By the early 19th century, the sculptor from Braga, Álvaro José Pereira de Faria, stood out in the renovation of the chancel altarpiece's camarim, demonstrating the continuous artistic valorization of the space.

Artistic Interior and Ornamentation

Inside the Parish Church of Álvora, visitors are enveloped by the richness of its decoration. The nave walls display a wainscot of carpet tiles, combining geometric patterns in blue and white tones, with Mannerist and 19th-century pieces. The ceilings, in false barrel vaults, are carefully painted to imitate coffered ceilings, with vegetal motifs and cartouches that create a solemn atmosphere.

The collection of carved altarpieces is one of its greatest treasures. In the chancel, the main altarpiece, in gilded national Baroque carving, is particularly impressive, with six twisted columns and a main altar frontal featuring a polychrome relief of the Last Supper, characteristic of the School of Braga. In the transept's side chapels, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows and the Blessed Sacrament, there are equally remarkable Baroque altarpieces of gilded carving and Joanine style. The opposing pulpits are adorned with polychrome and gilded carving, complementing the artistic opulence of the space.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt