Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Santa Comba Dão > Couto do Mosteiro
The Mother Church is located in the village of Couto do Mosteiro, specifically in the urban area known as Vila de Barba. Situated in the municipality of Santa Comba Dão, its presence contributes to the identity and profile of this small village, serving as a central reference point in its setting.
The history of the Mother Church of Couto do Mosteiro is quite old, with roots extending back to the 12th century. It is believed that its original construction, around the year 1150, took place on the site where a monastery may have existed, with connections to the Order of the Templars, linking it to a fascinating period in Portuguese history. The edifice we observe today is the result of a profound reconstruction that occurred in 1661, which shaped its current structure.
This temple features architecture marked by the simplicity of its forms, reflecting a stripped-down yet robust style. However, its interior reveals a relevant artistic detail: the ceilings which display various religious-themed paintings. By the mid-18th century, around 1749, the church underwent interventions that endowed it with its current tower, main facade, and cornerstones, elements that helped define its exterior image.
Throughout the centuries, the Mother Church of Couto do Mosteiro has played a central role in the life of the community. Maintaining its original function as a parish church, it continues to be a place of worship and an essential element of the region's cultural and spiritual heritage. Its presence symbolizes historical continuity and the tradition of faith rooted in this locality.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.4107487,-8.14219
Coordinates DMS: 40°24'38.7"N 08°08'31.9"W