Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Vila Real > Valpaços > Santa Valha
The Mother Church of Santa Valha stands in the heart of the peaceful village of Santa Valha, in the municipality of Valpaços. It is located on a slightly lower plane than the main square of the village, creating an atmosphere of seclusion. The space surrounding it is a serene churchyard, adorned with some trees and a simple stone cross, and delimited by a whitewashed masonry wall.
The Mother Church of Santa Valha, also known as the Church of Santa Eulália, is an architectural and cultural testament from the 17th century. Its foundation, in 1657, is owed to Abbot Nuno Álvares, a native of Azambuja, who was the local parish priest at the time. This religious building has been, over the centuries, a central point in the life of the community and was recognized for its importance, being classified as a Property of Public Interest.
The presence of the church in the village center points to an even older history, with indications of an earlier religious building in the Middle Ages, possibly erected on a 'castro' (fortified settlement) south of the current location. The rich history of the temple is highlighted, for example, by the existence of a custody-chalice dated 1690, an object of artistic and devotional value.
The exterior of the Mother Church of Santa Valha features a main façade in exposed granite, of regular ashlar masonry, where the joints are painted white, creating a distinct visual contrast. This façade is framed by Tuscan pilasters at the corners, culminating in pyramidal pinnacles. Above the straight lintel portal, which includes a frieze and cornice, a circular oculus that now houses a clock can be seen.
One of the most notable elements of the façade is the double bell tower, with round arches, which crowns the gable, flanked by pinnacles. Flanking the oculus, two coats of arms are discovered: one on the left, with the date 1655, and another on the right, with an inscription. Above the main portal, the significant Latin inscription "PAUPERES SEMPRE HABETE VOBISCUM" can be read. Inside, the oil paintings on wood, dated from the 17th century, stand out, adorning the space and inviting artistic contemplation.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.68290512,-7.2794518
Coordinates DMS: 41°40'58.5"N 07°16'46.0"W
Weather Santa Valha
On-duty Pharmacy Santa Valha
