Parish Church of Loureda

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

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

Location

The Parish Church of Loureda stands in the Chã area, in the locality of Loureda, located within the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez. Its elevated position, atop a masonry platform, offers a privileged panorama over the surrounding landscape, inviting a moment of contemplation of the surrounding area.

Architecture and Historical Heritage

This religious temple is a notable example of architecture that combines Mannerist and Baroque elements, marking its presence in the local landscape since the 17th and 18th centuries. Originally founded in 1372, the church underwent a significant reconstruction between 1683 and 1700, promoted by D. Pedro II. Its facades, in white tones, are adorned with pilastered quoins and topped by finials and pinnacles, while the main facade stands out with a family coat of arms and a straight lintel portal, surmounted by a large window. The bell tower, slightly set back, houses an iron clock and a bell, characteristic elements of the period.

A Treasure of Carved Woodwork and Tiles

The interior of the church reveals remarkable artistic richness, with walls displaying wainscoting of carpet tiles, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The ceilings, in false barrel vaults, are painted in coffers, creating an immersive visual effect. In the wooden high choir and the baptistery, vestiges of ancient mural painting can be found. Two lateral pulpits, of polychrome carved wood, add color and detail to the space, while the triumphal arch, separating the nave from the chancel, is adorned with an imposing valance of gilded carved wood.

Chapels and Altarpieces

The transept arms house side chapels, namely those of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Blessed Sacrament, both adorned with Baroque gilded carved altarpieces and painted coffered ceilings. The main chapel, one of the highlights of the visit, features walls with tile wainscoting and mural painting panels. Its main altarpiece, in national Baroque style, is a masterpiece of gilded carved wood, with twisted columns and a tribune integrating a canvas painted with the Ascension of Christ. The frontal of the main altar, with a polychrome relief representing the Last Supper, is a testament to the influential School of Braga. Also noteworthy is the Chapel of Calvary, whose construction is attributed to the renowned architect André Soares, adding further value to the artistic heritage of the place.

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