Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Sá > Rua de Santa Maria de Sá
Situated in the parish of Sá, in the municipality of Ponte de Lima, the Parish Church of Sá, or Church of Santa Maria, stands in a privileged position. It is located in a rural and tranquil setting, on a small hillside platform that offers a wide and harmonious view over the Lima River valley. The church is flanked by the parish cemetery and is set within a vast rectangular churchyard, surrounded by whitewashed granite walls, where oaks and olive trees punctuate the landscape. The main access is via a set of stone steps, lending grandeur to the approach to the temple.
The construction of the Parish Church of Sá dates back to the 17th century, featuring a religious architectural design with neoclassical elements, the result of remodelling and expansions throughout the subsequent centuries, until the early 20th century, and interventions in the mid-20th century. The building is predominantly in exposed granite ashlar, with a longitudinal plan comprising three naves and a chancel. The main façade, facing west, stands out for its round arch portal, flanked by pilasters, and an interrupted pediment from which a rose window emerges. In the north side nave, there is a rectangular bell tower, equipped with openings for the bells, culminating in a spire topped by an iron cross.
Inside, the church reveals an atmosphere of solidity and devotion, with the walls in granite ashlar and flagstone flooring. The ceilings are made of wood, with the central nave's ceiling being coffered, adorned with panels. The naves, divided into five bays, are separated by elegant round arches resting on Ionic order columns. Along the side naves, various chapels house artistic manifestations. Two of these chapels house polychromed carved altarpieces, evidencing the Baroque splendor, while others display tile panels or painted canvases. A granite pulpit, with a semicircular base, stands out next to the triumphal arch preceding the chancel.
The churchyard in front of the Church of Santa Maria is a space of great interest, enriched by a set of constructions that complement the main church. Here, an old stone cross with the inscribed date of 1613 is found, a testament to the long history and profound devotion that have always characterized this place. This stone cross, with a circular shaft and topped by a Latin cross, marks a central point in the churchyard. Within the same precinct, a small chapel can be observed, once linked to a pilgrimage in honour of the Lord of Health, the House of Miracles, and two octagonal-based bandstands, made of granite with wrought-iron railings, which contribute to the traditional ambiance and community character of this site.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.774132,-8.6204475
Coordinates DMS: 41°46'26.9"N 08°37'13.6"W
Weather Sá
On-duty Pharmacy Sá
