Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Vila Real > Alijó > Santa Eugénia
The Parish Church of Santa Eugénia is located in the heart of the town of the same name, in the municipality of Alijó. Set in a rural and peaceful environment, its presence marks the center of the village, providing a landmark and a glimpse into the typical community life of the Douro region.
Its position offers an authentic perspective of the calm and traditional atmosphere that characterizes this part of the municipality of Alijó.
This church is one of the oldest in the municipality, with roots dating back to the 13th century, a period when it displayed the sobriety of the Romanesque style. However, throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the church underwent profound transformations, resulting in its current configuration, where elements of the Baroque and Rococo styles predominate.
These successive alterations have made the church a remarkable example of the religious architectural evolution in the region, revealing the different artistic periods that have shaped its structure to the present day.
Inside the single-nave church, the eye is drawn to the imposing main altar, which stands out for its Rococo-style gilded woodwork, housing the image of the patron saint, Saint Eugénia. The side altars, also of Baroque inspiration, complement the artistic richness of the space.
One of the most unique features is found in the sacristy, where a ceiling painting can be observed, dating from the early 18th century, a rare feature in the region's churches. Its presence and conservation underline the artistic value of the site.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.3485834,-7.4104035
Coordinates DMS: 41°20'54.9"N 07°24'37.5"W