Parish Church of St. John the Baptist

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Santa Comba Dão > Santa Comba Dão > São Joaninho

Location

The Main Church of St. John the Baptist stands in the urban area of São Joaninho, an integral part of the locality of Santa Comba Dão. It is located in the municipality of Santa Comba Dão, giving it a prominent presence in the urban environment and serving as a landmark for the community.

A History Spanning Centuries

Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, its centuries-old patron, the Main Church is a testament to the region's long history. The current temple is the result of a significant reconstruction carried out in the 18th century, replacing a primitive church that had existed on the same site since at least the 10th century. The original church, though smaller in size, already featured a nave and side chapels, whose artistic elements were partly preserved or served as inspiration for the new construction.

The construction of the church we see today began in 1766, reflecting the community's commitment and the support of important religious entities of the time. This phase of works gave the building its definitive architectural lines, culminating in the completion of the main body in 1768 and the chancel a few years later.

Art and Devotion

The facade of the Church of St. John the Baptist presents a harmonious composition, typical of the period in which it was built. At its highest point, a stone cross stands out. In a central niche, specifically designed for the purpose, there is a venerable stone image of St. John the Baptist, dating from the 16th century, a piece that harks back to the previous church and was carefully integrated into the new temple. Below, a tall window illuminates the choir, and the main door, with its curved lintel and pediment, invites entry.

Inside, the wide nave is flanked by two remarkable side altars, expressive examples of the Rococo style. Their verticality and profusion of decorative elements make them particularly striking in the panorama of the Diocese of Viseu. The altar on the left side is today dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The altar on the right side venerates Our Lady of the Snows, whose 16th-century stone image is attributed to the workshops of Coimbra and features striking traits, such as deep eyes and a serene expression, holding the Infant Jesus.

The chancel, at the top of the nave, houses an elaborate altarpiece featuring images of the patron saint, St. John the Baptist, and St. Joseph. The transition between the nave and the chancel is highlighted by a large heart-shaped cartouche, which frames a pictorial representation of the Lamb of God, a symbol deeply associated with St. John the Baptist. The nave's curved ceiling, clad in varnished wood, gives the space a welcoming and solemn atmosphere.

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