Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Sernancelhe > Fonte Arcada > Bairro de São Martinho
The Church of Fonte Arcada, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, is located in the village of Fonte Arcada, part of the municipality of Sernancelhe. More specifically, it is situated in the Bairro de São Martinho area, prominently positioned on a natural elevation over rocky outcrops. Access is from Largo do Rossio, via granite staircases that lead to the churchyard, offering a tranquil and rural setting.
Outside, near the property, one can observe vestiges of ancient rock-hewn tombs, as well as a simple stone cross, elements that enrich the historical and scenic environment of its surroundings.
The history of the Church of Fonte Arcada has its deep roots in the 12th century, with its probable foundation linked to Sancha Vermiz, who granted a charter to the village in 1193. This act underscores the site's relevance from ancient times. Over the centuries, the building underwent various transformations, with significant additions and renovations in the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries.
These successive interventions shaped its current appearance, resulting in a remarkable fusion of architectural styles that testifies to the community's evolution and its continuous connection to the church throughout generations. It is a Property of Public Interest, acknowledging its patrimonial importance.
The building features a Latin cross plan, with a peculiar characteristic: the main nave does not have the same width along its length, singularly adapting to the rocky outcrops of the terrain. The main facade is marked by a perfect-arch Romanesque portal, adorned with a frieze of small spheres, and culminates in a double bell-tower, giving it an imposing presence.
Inside, the church reveals wooden trough ceilings in the nave, and in the chancel, a false barrel vault ceiling with painted coffers. There is also a wooden choir loft and a baptismal font displaying vestiges of polychromy. The quadrangular pulpit, resting on a granite corbel, completes the ensemble.
The altarpieces are one of the highlights of a visit to the church. The main altarpiece, in national style gilded carving, is particularly remarkable, with three axes defined by twisted columns richly decorated with vine scrolls and cherubs. Its artistic execution is of great perfection, highlighted by the low reliefs that simulate drapery on the intrados of the niches.
There are also Mannerist altarpieces in the side chapels, some with vestiges of polychromy and even covered with Hispano-Moresque tile, demonstrating the wealth and decorative diversity accumulated over time. On the exterior walls of the building, various inscribed crosses tell stories, including a Calvary on the rear facade, accessible by stairs, which invites a moment of contemplation and reflection.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.96362109,-7.52449878
Coordinates DMS: 40°57'49.0"N 07°31'28.2"W
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