Church of Saint Vincent

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Mangualde > Alcafache > Casal Sandinho

Location

The Church of São Vicente is serenely integrated into the urbanization of Casal Sandinho, which is part of the locality of Alcafache, in the municipality of Mangualde. Its position in a predominantly rural environment, typical of this region of the Viseu district, invites a moment of tranquility and offers direct contact with the landscape and community authenticity of the place.

Historical and Architectural Memory

The history of the Church of São Vicente dates back to ancient times, with records of its existence since 1574, when it was already part of the royal patronage and belonged to the Diocese of Viseu. However, it was in the 18th century that the building underwent a profound transformation. In 1774, the church was in an advanced state of ruin, which led to the need for a substantial reconstruction of the church body, including the chancel and the sacristy. This period marked a turning point, transforming the old abbey into a vicarage, with its revenues, except for what was necessary for the parish priest, united with the Royal College of Arts of the University of Coimbra, underlining its historical and administrative relevance.

Mastery and Artistic Detail

The renovation of the Church of São Vicente over the centuries was the work of various artisans and artists who imprinted their mastery on the building. In 1785, the stonemason José Duarte was responsible for the stonework that gave new form to the temple. Years later, in 1793, the sculptor Manuel Ribeiro contributed with carpentry work. At the end of the 19th century, in 1887, Torcato Duarte Pereira carried out the whitewashing of the church and its tower, ensuring the maintenance of its facade. The interior gained a special shine with the work of the painter-gilder José Joaquim Ricardo, who between 1891 and 1892, applied gilding and painting to the main altarpiece and the niche, elements that still enrich the space today and invite appreciation of the artistic details.

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