Mother Church of Caria

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Moimenta da Beira > Caria > Granja do Paiva

Location:

The Caria Mother Church is located a short distance from the town centre, within the Granja do Paiva area, in the locality of Caria, Moimenta da Beira municipality. Its position, between the cemetery and the parish residence, gives it a serene setting. A peculiar connection to the old residence stands out through an archway, which simultaneously supports the church's bell tower, creating a distinct architectural ensemble.

Building and Era:

Built in the 18th century, the Caria Mother Church is a notable example of religious architecture from that period. Its interior is characterised by three naves, harmoniously divided by columns that guide the eye along the space. The structure is robust, and its construction reflects the prevailing techniques and style of the era. The archway connecting the temple to the parish residence, supporting the bell tower, is a singular architectural element that contributes to the building's visual identity.

Interior and Artistic Heritage:

The church's interior holds a valuable artistic heritage, revealing the decorative richness of past centuries. The altars are adorned with giltwood carving, which stands out for its exuberance and detail, and the valances in polychrome carving add colour and vibrancy to the ensemble. The chancel, a central space for devotion, features a ceiling covered with plain coffered panels, creating a contrast with the profusion of carving. The choir stalls in the chancel feature hagiological paintings on wood panels, illustrating passages from the lives of saints. It is also possible to observe paintings by the artist Álvaro Nogueira, which enrich the temple's sacred art collection. A holy water font, elegantly integrated into one of the columns, is another detail to observe during the visit.

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