Parochial Church of Águas Frias / Church of Saint Peter

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Vila Real > Chaves > Águas Frias > Sítio da Igreja

Location

The Parish Church of Águas Frias, also known as the Church of São Pedro, is located in the heart of the village of Águas Frias, in the municipality of Chaves. It stands on a slightly elevated platform, giving it a distinct presence in the local urban landscape. Its churchyard, bordered by a white wall with stone coping, invites a peaceful observation of the building's exterior. In front of the church, in the churchyard, a calvary (stone cross) can be found, adding an element of interest to its surroundings.

Historical Memory

The history of this church is intrinsically linked to the evolution of the Águas Frias community itself. Its construction, begun in the late 18th century and completed in the 19th century, marked a period of transition. Previously, the mother church dedicated to Saint Peter was located in the old town of Monforte de Rio Livre. However, with the depopulation and decline of the town, residents gradually moved to the locality of Águas Frias. The construction of the current parish church in this new location signified the continuity of religious life and the dedication to Saint Peter for the residents, consolidating the identity of the new settlement.

A Look at the Architecture

The Church of São Pedro is an example of 18th and 19th-century religious architecture. It features a simple rectangular plan, with a single nave and a chancel. The light-toned exterior is punctuated by granite stonework elements, such as the quoins and the window/door frames, which create an elegant contrast. The main façade, facing southwest, stands out with its sculpted gable that incorporates a double bell-gable, surmounted by a smaller bell-gable, and a segmental arch portal, above which there is a window with a circular clock. Inside, the white-washed walls, wooden floor, and painted plywood ceiling create a welcoming atmosphere. Noteworthy are the four confronting side chapels and the pulpit on the Gospel side, which display polychrome carving, lending color and detail to the space. The main altarpiece, in late-Baroque style, with its three-axis structure and polychrome carving work, is the focal point of the chancel.

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