Main Church of Chavães

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Tabuaço > Tabuaço > Chavães

Location

The Mother Church of Chavães, also known as the Church of São Martinho, is located in the tranquil urbanization of Chavães, an area that is part of the locality and municipality of Tabuaço. It stands at a central point within this area, asserting a prominent presence and serving as a landmark in the local landscape, inviting visitors to a contemplative stop.

Architectural Features

This religious temple is a notable example of the fusion of Mannerist and Baroque styles, evident in its longitudinal plan. The main facade, with an imposing gable format, is preceded by a narthex that serves as an entrance, with side accesses in perfect round arches flanked by pilasters. Attached to the narthex, a two-tiered bell tower rises, with the upper tier featuring a double belfry, standing out in the overall composition. The solidity and elegance of the construction are accentuated by the pilastered quoins that frame the facades, topped by pinnacles, and by a cross door with a straight lintel present on the left side facade.

Interior and Sacred Art

Upon entering the church, visitors are enveloped by the richness and detail of its interior decoration. The main nave is covered by a fascinating false depressed barrel vault, adorned with Rococo painting that creates illusory architectural motifs in perspective. This painting depicts hagiographic scenes and allegorical figures of virtues, notably the full-body figure of the patron saint, Saint Martin. Elements such as the high choir and the pulpit, the latter in Joanine style, enrich the space. The perfect round triumphal arch leads to the chancel, flanked by collateral altars of gilded and polychromed wood carving. These pieces, in Rococo style and dated 1777, feature a convex plan with counter-curved finials, revealing a distinctive Borrominian influence. In the chancel, the main altar retable stands out for its Mannerist structure and details in gilded wood carving of national Baroque style, with phytomorphic motifs and cartouches. An old confessional, integrated into a lateral niche, complements the uniqueness of the space.

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