Church of São Vicente da Chã

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Vila Real > Montalegre > Chã

Location

Situated in the small village of Chã, in the municipality of Montalegre, this church stands in a tranquil rural setting. The building harmoniously integrates into the old houses of the village, on the calm Rua do Adro, providing a sense of isolation and introspection that invites discovery.

A Millennial Legacy

The Church of São Vicente da Chã is a testament to history dating back to the 10th or 11th centuries, maintaining its original Romanesque design. This remarkable antiquity grants it a prominent place in national heritage, classified as a Monument since 1910.

Its unique character, marked by interventions throughout the centuries, especially in the 19th century, reveals layers of history and devotion. Over time, its religious function has remained unchanged, continuing to be the local parish church.

Distinctive Architectural Features

Externally, the stone masonry church features a longitudinal plan. The main facade, with its truncated gable, stands out with a perfect arch portal, enriched by archivolts with sculpted elements. Above the portal, an oculus allows light to enter. The bell tower attached at the top, accessible from the exterior, and the presence of corbels that once supported porches, are details that reveal its architectural evolution.

One of the most notable and rare features in the panorama of Portuguese religious architecture is the existence of two naves, although one of them is shorter. This particularity makes a visit to the Church of São Vicente da Chã a unique experience for those who appreciate historical architecture.

The Interior and its Details

Upon entering, one discovers an environment where wood takes prominence. The curved-profile ceilings add a welcoming dimension to the space. In the main nave, as well as in the chancel, the gilded and green carving of the altarpieces, in neoclassical style, creates a harmonious contrast with the wainscoting of tiles imitating a checkered pattern.

In the square pulpit, to the left of the observer facing the altar, and in the triumphal arch preceding the chancel, the presence of carving is equally evident. On the ceiling of the shorter nave, a popular painting of great symbolism depicts the "blessed in heaven and the damned in hell," an element of artistic curiosity. Outside the building, near the entrance, the baptismal font, by itself, is a detail that suggests the profound antiquity of this place of worship.

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