Church of Saint Peter of Abaças

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Abaças > Fontelo

Location

The Church of Saint Peter is located in the village of Abaças, integrated into the Fontelo area, in the municipality of Vila Real. Its position is striking in the local landscape, with surroundings that include an area that was once wooded, punctuated by small chapels that formed a unique path.

The building was designed with a remarkable relationship to its exterior, evidenced by the walls that delimit the churchyard and by staircases that invite one to ascend towards a hill, known as Calvary. An iron balcony, extending along the entire south-facing main facade, offers an observation point for the surrounding environment, complemented by accesses that enrich the arrival at the temple.

Historical Legacy

The history of the Church of Saint Peter dates back to the 16th century, with the institution of the parish in 1528, aimed at serving the local population. The initial construction of the temple began in the same year, laying the foundations for what would become one of the region's landmarks.

However, the edifice observed today began to take more substantial form in the mid-17th century, reflecting the architectural trends of the era. Over the centuries, the temple underwent several interventions, notably the major expansion and remodeling of the main facade and towers in the early 18th century. These works, supported by important figures in the community and by the population itself, conferred upon it its current imposing appearance. Later alterations, particularly in the 19th century, continued to shape its appearance and interior, replacing elements such as the main altarpiece and ensuring the continuity of worship and parish life.

Art and Architecture

The Church of Saint Peter is a remarkable example of artistic evolution over the centuries, presenting a harmonious fusion of complementary styles. As a whole, one can identify Mannerist elements in the structure of the chancel, the dominant Baroque influence in its single nave and main facade, and Rococo details visible in some of its side altarpieces.

The facade, of great verticality, is flanked by two towers and topped by a curved gable, characteristic of the region's religious architecture. Inside, the visitor's attention is drawn by the azulejos from the seventeenth century that line the chancel, some of them dated and identifying the patron who commissioned them. The interior ceiling of the nave and sacristy is notable, with carved coffers that, in some cases, are painted, lending visual richness to the space. The predominant use of granite masonry, visible or under plaster, reinforces the solidity and durability of the construction, while the gilded carving of the altarpieces, the doors, and granite elements such as the openings and the baptismal font, enrich the artistic ensemble.

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