Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Castro Daire > Ermida > Picão e Ermida
The Church of Our Lady of Conception, also known as Ermida Mother Church, is located in the serene village of Ermida, part of the Union of Parishes of Picão and Ermida, in the municipality of Castro Daire. This historic site stands in an environment that combines rural tranquility with proximity to the residential area, standing out as an architectural landmark in the surrounding landscape.
This remarkable monument originated in the 12th century, founded around 1178. It began as part of a monastery of the Premonstratensian Order, established by a French monk, D. Roberto. Over the centuries, the site underwent several transformations, including the conversion of its lands into a couto (privilege territory) in the 16th century and its subsequent integration into the Commandery of the Order of Christ, under the aegis of D. Manuel I. It is what remains of the only medieval monastery of this order in Portugal.
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição is a striking example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic style, visible in its structure and details. The main façade, facing west, features an imposing pointed arch, adorned with delicate columns and elaborate capitals. Above the arch, a checkered band adds a touch of uniqueness, while a cross stands out on the tympanum. At the top of the gable, another cross, with a flowery design, completes the composition. Circling the building, one can see the side door and the robust walls, accompanied by prismatic buttresses. Beneath the cornice, there are curious carved corbels, where various figures can be observed, such as human forms, gargoyles, ropes, fruits, and geometric elements, reflecting the creativity of the ancient stonemasons.
One of the most intriguing features of the Ermida Church is the hundreds of symbols and marks engraved on its stones, both on the exterior and interior. These inscriptions, known as 'siglas', gave the temple the popular designation of 'Temple of the Siglas'. Although their exact meaning remains an enigma, it is speculated that they may be historical records, reflections of the mentality of the time, or even symbols linked to occult knowledge. Some stones display three coupled siglas, while others feature one or two, a detail that invites careful observation and reflection on their origin.
Inside, the church reveals a contemplative atmosphere, characterized by its single nave, covered by a pointed arch vault, which confers a sense of grandeur. The light, entering faintly through the windows, creates a serene atmosphere conducive to introspection. In the nave, there are two altars, one dedicated to the Heart of Jesus and the other to Our Lady of the Rosary, with their carved altarpieces. The image of Our Lady of the Rosary, in polychrome wood, is a beautiful example of 18th-century imagery. This place also holds memories of singular events, such as the discovery of human remains in the 19th century, which adds a layer of mystery to its already rich history. Among the most valuable assets that once belonged to the monastery, a 12th-century gilded copper crozier stands out, now part of the collections of the National Museum of Ancient Art, a testament to the importance and artistic richness cultivated here.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.92443907,-7.97404417
Coordinates DMS: 40°55'28.0"N 07°58'26.6"W
Weather Ermida
On-duty Pharmacy Ermida
