Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Tondela > Barreiro de Besteiros
The Church of Barreiro de Besteiros is located in the heart of the locality of the same name, a serene corner of the municipality of Tondela. Situated in an area that invites tranquility, its presence marks the center of the community, offering a point of reference and a glimpse into local life.
Dedicated to Our Lady of Nativity, this church boasts a history that dates back to ancient times, having once functioned as an annex to the Church of São Salvador de Castelões. Its existence, throughout the centuries, underscores the community's deep connection to faith and sacred art, visible in its preservation and the treasures it holds.
The interior of the temple is an invitation to contemplation, revealing a rich collection of gilded altarpieces. These artistic elements, of distinct styles, coexist in harmony. In the main chapel, the delicacy of the Rococo style, characteristic of the second half of the 18th century, is manifested in the faux marbles, floral compositions, and elegant gilded shell motifs that adorn the altarpiece.
Meanwhile, the triumphal arch and the collateral altarpieces connected to it transport us to the Joanine Baroque style of the 17th century. Here, the gilded woodcarving dominates, with an imposing presence that captivates the eye with its grandeur. In the center of the arch, the polychrome figure of the patron saint, Our Lady of Nativity, stands out, guarded by angels holding a crown for her.
Another altarpiece, located in the left nave, exhibits the peculiar characteristics of the National Baroque. It stands out for its voluminous carving, meticulously sculpted with motifs of grapes, vine leaves, and cherubic figures, crowning the niche that houses the image of Saint John the Baptist.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.5111877,-8.1834417
Coordinates DMS: 40°30'40.3"N 08°11'0.4"W