Church of Santa Maria de Almacave

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Lamego > Lamego > Almacave

Location

The Church of Santa Maria de Almacave is located in the historic area of Almacave, in the city of Lamego. Situated in an elevated part of the town, its position offers a view of the urban surroundings and the peaceful environment that envelops it, contributing to a reflective atmosphere for your visit.

A Centuries-Old History

The Church of Santa Maria de Almacave is a building with a long history, its foundation dating back to the second half of the 12th century. Its construction belongs to the Romanesque period, revealing an architecture that bears witness to the formative eras of the Portuguese kingdom. Over the centuries, the temple has been adapted and enriched, yet it maintains its essence and significance as one of the historical landmarks of the Lamego region.

Architecture and its Romanesque Features

The construction of the Church of Santa Maria de Almacave reveals characteristic traits of its Romanesque period, although it has undergone alterations over the centuries. From its primitive foundation, the main Romanesque portal remains, standing out for its three archivolts and a checkered decorative band. The side doors, with a straight lintel supported by modillions, are also original elements, bearing witness to the initial structure.

The bell tower, one of its most remarkable features, rises and complements the building's silhouette, making it visible from various points in the surrounding area and contributing to its visual identity.

Interior Art and Details

Inside the church, one discovers a space that reflects different periods and styles, a result of transformations and artistic enrichment over time. The altarpieces, some embellished with gilded woodwork, adorn the altars, expressing the sacred art of later eras and the devotion that was fostered there.

Several panels of azulejos, which narrate stories or depict religious scenes, cover some of the walls, adding color and detail to the atmosphere. A 17th-century pulpit is another feature of interest, with its structure and decoration characteristic of that period, inviting a close observation of the artistic details found in this notable temple.

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