Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Vila Real > Chaves > Cimo de Vila da Castanheira > Bairro de São João
The Church of Saint John the Baptist stands in the peaceful locality of Cimo de Vila da Castanheira, in the municipality of Chaves, within the area known as Bairro de São João. This rural setting, marked by the serenity and natural beauty of the region, offers a tranquil backdrop for discovering this monument. Its elevated position in the village, once a strategic location, allows for observation of the surrounding landscape.
Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, this church represents a remarkable example of Portuguese Romanesque architecture. Classified as a National Monument since 1993, its historical and patrimonial importance is undeniable, bearing witness to centuries of faith and community life. Over time, the temple has undergone conservation interventions that ensured its preservation, including a recent roof reconstruction and interior restorations, allowing its original features to remain visible to today's visitor.
The construction of the Church of Saint John the Baptist reflects the sobriety and robustness characteristic of the Romanesque style. Its simple and refined lines invite contemplation of beauty in austerity. Its doors stand out, designed with round arches, which lend unpretentious elegance to the ensemble. The attention given to its current conservation allows for a full appreciation of the purity of its architectural design.
Upon entering the church, visitors encounter a single-nave space, where the chancel is clearly distinguished. Access to the latter is gained through a richly decorated round arch, which guides the eye to the central point of the temple. On the interior walls, despite the wear of time, vestiges of fresco paintings remain, which once colored the space and evoke the artistic richness that adorned the site. Although some original elements, such as the baptismal font, are no longer on site, the pulpit remains as a testament to the era in which the church was built.
An element of particular interest is the bell tower, which appears unusually separated from the main body of the church, its construction being more rustic and robust. Located across from the old cemetery, this tower has an even older history than the temple itself. Before assuming its religious function, it served as a military defense post, integrated into a pre-Roman fort (castro) that existed on the site. With several internal floors, now destroyed, and where bells once rested, its presence is a strong reminder of the deep roots and strategic importance this location held throughout history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.798695,-7.26813
Coordinates DMS: 41°47'55.3"N 07°16'5.3"W
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