Lapa Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > Arcos de Valdevez > Salvador

Location

- Located in the parish of União das Freguesias de Arcos de Valdevez (Salvador), Vila Fonche e Parada, in the town of Arcos de Valdevez, district of Viana do Castelo.

Classification

- Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1977.

History

- The Church was dedicated to Our Lady of Lapa and built between 1758 and 1767.

- The project is attributed to the architect André Soares, from Braga.

Architecture

- Style: Baroque and Rococo, with a centralized plan.

- The exterior is oval, while the interior has an octagonal plan, crowned by a large dome.

- The bell tower is located behind the chancel, which is a distinct architectural solution.

- Notable for the gilded carvings and stucco of the altarpieces and altars.

Main Features

- The interior dome is imposing, creating a grandiose atmosphere.

- The main altarpiece is an example of Portuguese Baroque carving.

- The church is small, but remarkable for the beauty and uniqueness of its structure.

Points of Interest

- Ideal for appreciating Baroque and Rococo architecture.

- The altarpieces and gilded carvings of the interior deserve special attention.

- Located in the heart of the historic area of Arcos de Valdevez, in a square with a water clock.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_da_Lapa_(Arcos_de_Valdevez)

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