Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Vila Real > Mondim de Basto > Lugar do Souto > Lugar do Conde de Vila Real
Situated in Lugar do Conde de Vila Real, an area within the locality of Lugar do Souto, in the municipality of Mondim de Basto, the Church of Santa Quitéria stands at a central point of this picturesque village. The temple is located in an urban area where historical buildings harmonize, marking the edge of an elevated platform. From its rear, staircases elegantly adapt to the unevenness of the surrounding terrain, contributing to the church's unique setting.
This church boasts a remarkable and unusual history: its original construction dates back to the 17th or 18th centuries, but not in its current location. In the early 20th century, around 1917, the temple was dismantled from its initial position, which corresponded to the then Largo 9 de Abril, and reconstructed stone by stone on its present site. This process of relocation was due to the need to widen the old Town Hall Square, which grants this religious edifice a unique narrative of adaptation and resilience to Mondim de Basto's urban layout.
The architecture of the Church of Santa Quitéria stands out for the robustness of the exposed stonework that clads its facades, giving it a solid and traditional presence. The quoins are enriched with Tuscan pilasters, topped by pinnacles with spheres, elements that contribute to its distinctive aesthetic. The main facade, facing west, culminates in a curved gable defined by volutes and is crowned by a cross. It features a straight lintel portal, and above it, a niche now converted into a lighting opening, with a semicircular pediment finish. Inside, with a rectangular nave and chancel plan, the gaze is captivated by its three carved altarpieces. The main altarpiece, in Mannerist style, and a lateral altarpiece of Baroque influence, both with painted panels, attest to the artistic richness that the temple houses.
Dedicated to Saint Quiteria, this place of worship is associated with devotion to this saint, historically invoked for protection against rabid dog bites and against head ailments. One of the most striking legends linked to Saint Quiteria narrates that, during her martyrdom by decapitation, her body, thrown into a lake, would have emerged from the water walking by itself, with her head under her arm. This particular story adds a fascinating and mystical dimension to a visit to the church, inviting reflection on local faith and folklore.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.4115955,-7.9528448
Coordinates DMS: 41°24'41.7"N 07°57'10.2"W
Weather Lugar do Souto
On-duty Pharmacy Lugar do Souto
