Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Vila Real > Feitais
The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is located in the Feitais area, in the town of Vila Real. This place has an interesting past, as it is believed that an ancient Roman road passed in its vicinity, a stretch of which can still be observed near the church. This historical connection to the territory offers an additional perspective on the antiquity of the region.
Classified as a Property of Public Interest, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a notable example of Vila Real Gothic, dating from the 15th century. Its construction is attributed to D. Pedro de Castro, abbot of Mouçós and apostolic protonotary of Vila Real, a prominent figure at the time. This temple offers an authentic glimpse into religious construction in the region during the Middle Ages.
The church's architecture reveals a peculiar fusion of styles. Although its chronology places it in the Gothic period, the building displays a simplicity reminiscent of late Romanesque. Its robust walls, narrow openings that filter light, and the near absence of ornamentation, with the exception of the main portal and the oculus on the façade, give it a singular character. The single, higher nave, in contrast with the rectangular, lower chancel, along with the ogival arches of the portal and the triumphal arch, demonstrate the transition and artistic experimentation of the period. On the exterior, the pink-toned granite, punctuated by colorful lichens and elegant corbels, adds a distinct beauty to the ensemble, complemented by the ecclesiastical coat of arms on the outer wall of the chancel, a testament to its origin.
Inside the church, several elements of great value stand out. In the chancel, an important mural painting from the 16th century, discovered in 1996, can be observed. Although partially damaged, this work is one of the most interesting fresco ensembles in the region, representing the Tree of Jesse and revealing its creation date, 1529, and an enigmatic inscription. Even more notable are the two tomb slabs, present in the nave, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. These slabs mark the burial places of Álvaro Lopes and Senha de Martin Vaz Sampaio, figures who were important in local history. There are also indications suggesting the existence of an earlier Mudéjar-style wooden ceiling, through supports that can still be seen in the chancel.
Over the years, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe has benefited from restoration interventions aimed at safeguarding its structure and artistic elements, particularly the valuable mural paintings. Outside, the churchyard hosts a 16th-century wayside cross, which testifies to the long devotional history of the place. Annually, on the second Sunday of May, the space in front of the church becomes the stage for a pilgrimage, a moment that keeps alive the tradition and the community's connection to this temple.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.31453376,-7.70201306
Coordinates DMS: 41°18'52.3"N 07°42'7.2"W
Weather Vila Real
On-duty Pharmacy Vila Real
