Main Church of Semitela

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Moimenta da Beira > Leomil > Portela

Location

The Mother Church of Semitela is situated in the tranquility of Portela, an area belonging to the locality of Leomil. This place, nestled in the municipality of Moimenta da Beira, is characterized by a serene atmosphere, typical of rural Portugal.

Its position within this settlement offers a setting that invites observation of the local environment, allowing visitors to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of the Beira landscape that surrounds the community.

Transformations Over Time

Throughout its existence, the Mother Church of Semitela has undergone various interventions that have shaped its current configuration. A witness to eras and styles, its original structure is the result of layers of history and adaptation. Over the centuries, the building has undergone significant renovations, making the reconstruction of its primitive appearance complex.

Particularly noteworthy are the reconstructions of the main altar and the tribune. These elements were crafted by a specialist from Braga, who used techniques and knowledge to give them a faithful recreation, respecting the artistic and architectural traditions of the era in which they were conceived or restored.

Striking Architectural Elements

One of the most notable features of the Mother Church of Semitela is its bell tower, which was built in the 20th century, specifically in 1932. This structure is not only a visual landmark but also houses bells with a peculiar history, originating from the old Convent of São Francisco, located in the parish of Vila da Rua.

The patron saint of the church is Saint John the Baptist, whose representation underwent an interesting alteration. The original image of the saint had its head replaced at some point, a work also carried out in Braga, giving it a new physiognomy and adapting it to the aesthetic standards of the time, at the wish of the local community.

The Churchyard and the Parish Cemetery

Adjacent to the Mother Church of Semitela, the churchyard has a history intertwined with that of the community itself. In 1859, a cemetery was built in the churchyard, a resting place that served the inhabitants for an important period. The following year, in 1860, an iron gate was added, delimiting and enriching this space.

However, the management of burial sites evolved, and in 1938, a new cemetery was inaugurated, taking over the functions of the previous one. This development reflects changes in funerary practices and the needs of the population over time, marking a new chapter in the church's relationship with its community of faithful and deceased.

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