Blacksmiths' Church of Tendais or Church of Saint Christopher

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Cinfães > Ferreiros de Tendais > Sítio da Igreja

Location:

Situated in the locality of Ferreiros de Tendais, in the municipality of Cinfães, this church is located in the area known as Sítio da Igreja (Church Site). Its mid-slope position gives it an isolated and tranquil atmosphere, integrating into the surrounding landscape.

The building, set in a churchyard slightly below the level of the public road, offers a distinctive perspective to those approaching, revealing its harmonious structure within the rural context.

Historical Roots and Ancient Evidence:

The history of the Church of Ferreiros de Tendais dates back to distant times. Although most of the current structure is from the 17th century, records indicate that the site was already a royal curacy in the 13th century, revealing a continuous religious presence over the centuries. Even more surprisingly, in the churchyard, there are graves carved directly into the rock, some with anthropomorphic shapes, which attest to the existence of a primitive cemetery. These archaeological remains suggest that the site may have been a place of worship long before the current church, possibly since the 6th century, connecting it to a deep timeline and ancestral traditions of the region.

Throughout its existence, the building underwent various interventions, including a significant restoration in 1889, which contributed to its preservation and its current classification as a Monument of Public Interest.

A Treasure of Art and Architecture:

The church's architecture, built mostly in granite, features a rectangular plan with a single nave and a narrower, lower chancel. The main facade, facing west, stands out for its straight lintel portal topped by a window, and the presence of a separate bell tower, erected independently in the churchyard, with a stone access staircase.

Inside, the church reveals a remarkable artistic ensemble. The coffered wooden ceilings, exquisitely polychromed and decorated with images of saints, are one of its most impressive features. The walls of the nave and chancel are covered with 17th-century tile wainscoting, displaying carpet patterns framed by acanthus moldings. The altars, in the National style, are enriched with vine and grape cluster motifs, and the main altar houses a central canvas depicting the Institution of the Eucharist, inviting a careful observation of the sacred art that fills this historic space.

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