Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Santa Comba Dão > São João de Areias > Vila Dianteira
The Mother Church of São João de Areias is located in Vila Dianteira, an integral part of the locality of São João de Areias, in the municipality of Santa Comba Dão. Built on an elevated point of the village, its presence marks an important landmark in the local landscape, giving it characteristic visibility and a serene setting.
Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of the parish since ancient times, the current Mother Church is an 18th-century construction, built upon the foundations of an older, demolished temple. Construction began in the 1760s, with the erection of the nave and the imposing facade, notable for its two bell towers and the predominant Baroque style. The chancel was completed later, in the early 1780s.
On the facade, the central niche stands out, housing a stone image of Saint John the Baptist, dating from the 16th century. According to popular tradition, this image was found on the banks of the Mondego River and was later integrated into the structure of the new church. The history of the temple is also a testament to the continuous commitment of the community, as demonstrated by the significant restoration works carried out in the mid-20th century, which allowed for the preservation of the beauty and integrity of this heritage.
The interior of the church captivates visitors with its rich decoration and the quality of its elements. The nave is spacious and leads to the chancel, where the high altar is located, also dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. However, it is the side altars, located on the sides of the chancel arch, that most attract the eye with their opulence.
These two altars, designed in a grand Rococo style, are considered among the most majestic examples of this period in the Diocese of Viseu. On the left side, one observes the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, while on the right side, one admires Our Lady of the Snows. The latter is a remarkable stone piece from the 16th century, with characteristics that point to the workshops of Coimbra. Complementing the scenography, a large heart-shaped cartouche above the chancel arch displays a painting of the Lamb of God, enveloped in profuse carving of volutes and shell motifs, reinforcing the symbolism of the place.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.3865511,-8.0714061
Coordinates DMS: 40°23'11.6"N 08°04'17.1"W
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