Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Vila Real > Chaves > Soutelinho da Raia > Calvão e Soutelinho da Raia
Situated in the picturesque village of Soutelinho da Raia, in the municipality of Chaves and district of Vila Real, the Parish Church and the medieval fountain are located in a tranquil setting characteristic of the Northeast of Trás-os-Montes. This locality, nestled in the border region, the "Raia", offers a rural and genuine environment, where the landscape is dominated by serene nature and built heritage that reflects local history and traditions.
The ensemble integrates harmoniously into the village's urban fabric, testifying to its centrality in the community life of Soutelinho da Raia, which belongs to the union of parishes of Calvão and Soutelinho da Raia. Its presence marks the heart of the village, inviting contemplation of the calm atmosphere and the discovery of a profound and authentic Portugal.
The Parish Church of Soutelinho da Raia is the spiritual heart of the community, a building that, over the centuries, has been the stage for crucial moments in the lives of its inhabitants. Built with the robustness and simplicity that characterize the rural religious architecture of the region, the church features sober lines, often in local granite, which blend perfectly into the surrounding landscape.
Its facade, though devoid of grand ornamentation, reveals the inherent dignity of a place of worship. The interior, with a single nave, invites introspection, with the main altar occupying a prominent position, perhaps holding devotional images venerated by the population. The church is a repository of faith and collective memory, a testament to the resilience and spirituality of a people.
In the vicinity of the church, the medieval fountain emerges as an inseparable element of village life throughout the centuries. More than a simple water supply point, this stone fountain, with its simple and functional design, represents a link to the past, a place where generations met, shared stories, and sought daily sustenance.
Its stone construction, resistant to time, attests to the antiquity and importance this water resource held for the community. The fresh water that flows from it is a symbol of life and continuity, reflecting the adaptation and persistence of those who inhabited and still inhabit these lands, keeping traditions and local identity alive.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.828789,-7.575231
Coordinates DMS: 41°49'43.6"N 07°34'30.8"W
Weather Soutelinho da Raia
On-duty Pharmacy Soutelinho da Raia
