Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Lamas de Olo > Borbela e Lamas de Olo
Situated in the heart of the Alvão Natural Park, the Parish Church of Lamas de Olo, also known as the Church of Saint James, stands at a considerable altitude of 1013 meters, outside the village center. This positioning lends it an atmosphere of remarkable tranquility and views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. The church is integrated into a traditional churchyard, enclosed by a wall and paved with cobblestones, which opens onto meadows and cultivated fields, reflecting the region's rural essence. The village of Lamas de Olo itself is distinguished by its granite houses, some of which still preserve the characteristic thatched roofs, providing an authentic and picturesque setting.
The Church of Saint James features a religious architecture of Mannerist style, the result of centuries of history and interventions. Its longitudinal plan consists of a nave and a chancel, which stands out for being lower and narrower. Adjoining the left side facade is a rectangular sacristy.
The church facades are made of exposed ashlar masonry, lending it timeless solidity and beauty. The main facade, facing west, terminates in a gable and is marked by a lintel portal with a chamfer, flanked by a small circular oculus and surmounted by a cross. To the left, a rectangular bell tower rises, incorporating a bell chamber with a segmental arch, housing the bell and topped by pyramidal pinnacles. Elements such as cornices and decorated pinnacles contribute to the church's distinct profile, demonstrating its evolution and adaptations over time.
The history of the Church of Saint James dates back to the 16th century, the probable period of its original construction. This building withstood the great earthquake of 1755 without ruin, a testament to its robustness. Ancient documents, such as the Parochial Memories of 1758, reveal that the church already had Saint James as its patron saint and possessed three main altars: that of Saint James, that of Our Lady of the Rosary, and that of the Name of God. This historical record underlines its importance as a center of worship and local community.
Over the centuries, the church has undergone several renovations. One of the most significant occurred in 1920, a date that can be observed on the rear facade of the chancel. This intervention involved the raising of the facades and the alteration of the openings, shaping the temple's current appearance and marking an important chapter in its continuous adaptation and preservation.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.3709715,-7.7983513
Coordinates DMS: 41°22'15.5"N 07°47'54.1"W
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