Parish Church of Leomil

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Moimenta da Beira > Leomil

Location:

The Parish Church of Leomil, also known as the Church of Saint James the Great, is situated in the picturesque locality of Leomil, in the municipality of Moimenta da Beira. Its somewhat isolated rural setting gives it a striking presence in the landscape. Upon approach, its imposing silhouette is visible, especially when viewed from the south, standing out as a significant landmark in the region.

Architectural Features and Exterior:

The history of the Parish Church of Leomil has its roots in the 17th century, evolving through construction and embellishment phases that extended into the 18th and 19th centuries. Its structure features a longitudinal plan, with a single nave and a slightly lower and narrower chancel. The facades are built of exposed granite ashlar, revealing a solidity and authenticity characteristic of local architecture. The main facade, oriented southwest, is crowned by a gable, featuring a Latin cross and pyramidal pinnacles at the corners. One of the most distinctive elements is the quadrangular bell tower, approximately 32 meters high, which stands adjoined to the church's left side facade. This tower is divided into three registers by cornices, and in the upper register, on each face, there are round-arched openings housing the bells, completing the entire structure.

Interior Details and Historical Remains:

Inside the Church of Leomil, there is a collection of elements worthy of attention, particularly the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha de França. This chapel is notable for its unique stone coffered ceiling, complemented by a gilded altarpiece and azulejos (tiles), both dating from the 18th century, which exemplify the decorative art of the period. The temple also preserves memories of a more distant past, suggesting the existence of a previous construction. The presence of a small bell and a 16th-century processional cross attests to this antiquity. The processional cross, in particular, features engraved figures of four apostles, Saint James, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and Saint Andrew, and, on one of its faces, the image of Our Lady of the Conception, giving it a historical and artistic value worthy of observation.

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