Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Moimenta da Beira > Pera Velha, Aldeia de Nacomba e Ariz
The Carapito Mother Church stands in a singular and tranquil position, slightly removed from the housing cluster of the village of Carapito. This positioning grants it an atmosphere of serene contemplation, being strategically situated between the local cemetery and the parish residence.
Carapito is part of the union of parishes of Pera Velha, Aldeia de Nacomba, and Ariz, in the municipality of Moimenta da Beira, in the district of Viseu. This location, set within the landscape of Beira Alta, underscores its integration into a territory of deep traditions and characteristic regional scenery.
The Carapito Mother Church, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Purification, constitutes a point of notable historical and architectural interest. Although its origins date back to the medieval period, the building observed today is the result of successive and significant renovations over the centuries. Each intervention has added new layers of history and style, transforming the temple into a living testimony of the artistic and constructive evolution of the region.
On the exterior, the church displays a striking facade, with a scalloped gable that is distinguished by its pinecone-shaped window and a pediment finish, where a niche is found. On the side facades, it is possible to observe remnants of old openings, such as voids or doors, and even indications of tombs, revealing the continuous alterations and the antiquity of the construction.
A particular architectural detail of interest is the arcade that establishes the connection between the church and the adjacent parish residence, also serving as the base for the bell tower. This structural solution lends the ensemble a touch of originality and harmony, inviting close attention to its unique details.
Upon entering the Carapito Mother Church, the visitor encounters an interior space of great artistic richness. The floor plan is organized into three naves, elegantly divided by columns. The collection includes a holy water font, a traditional element present in the sacred space.
The main chapel is one of the highlights, with its ceiling adorned with coffers, some of which are unadorned, and a choir stall exhibiting hagiographic paintings on wood panels. The main altarpiece presents itself as a transitional piece, where the Baroque structure merges with Neoclassical decorative elements, creating a unique aesthetic. Also noteworthy are the images of Saint Peter of Verona and various paintings in the side altars, some of which were executed by the painter Álvaro Nogueira, enriching the church's artistic heritage and providing an engaging visual experience.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.9388058,-7.6306392
Coordinates DMS: 40°56'19.7"N 07°37'50.3"W
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