Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viana do Castelo > Caminha > Arga de Cima > Arga (Baixo, Cima e São João)
The Parish Church of Arga de Cima is located in the tranquil village of the same name, Arga de Cima, one of the three areas of Arga (which also include Arga de Baixo and Arga de São João), belonging to the municipality of Caminha. Set within a predominantly rural and village landscape, the church offers a glimpse into the life and serene environment of this region.
The construction of this church dates back to the late 17th century and early 18th century, a period reflected in its architectural characteristics. A particular date, 1681, is engraved at distinct points of the building, both externally and internally, marking a significant moment in its construction. One of the most notable and historical elements is an arched stone niche, carved into the north wall, which displays a detailed inscription about its origin, stating that it was "O VIGARIO MATEUS RODRIGUES DEAZEVEDO MANDOU FAZER A SUA CONTA, 1681", a unique testimony to its foundation.
From the exterior, the church presents itself with a whitewashed masonry construction, of sober lines, but with details that enrich the ensemble. The main door has an arched shape, and above it, a simple window opens. On the main façade, on its north side, stands a bell tower with its respective belfry. At the apexes of the frontispiece and the chancel, simple crosses stand out, while the roof's vertices are adorned with small pyramids ending in spheres, lending it a particular aesthetic.
The interior of the Parish Church of Arga de Cima reveals a plan composed of two rectangular spaces, the main body of the church and the chancel, connected by a semicircular triumphal arch. The ceiling is made of wood, devoid of paintings, contributing to an atmosphere of introspection. In the chancel, a neoclassical altarpiece stands out, dating from the late 19th century. The space houses four altars in total, each with its images. Among the sculptures, the most prominent is that of Saint Anthony the Great, visible on the north side, venerated as the patron saint of the parish. Other devotional figures, such as Saint Sebastian, Saint Anthony, Our Lady of Sorrows, and Our Lady of the Rosary, complement the iconographic heritage, some of which date back to the mid-18th century.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.8352843,-8.6985377
Coordinates DMS: 41°50'7.0"N 08°41'54.7"W
Weather Arga de Cima
On-duty Pharmacy Arga de Cima
