Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Sernancelhe > Vila da Rua > A-de-Barros
Situated in the picturesque locality of Vila da Rua, integrated into the municipality of Sernancelhe, in the heart of the Viseu district, the Church of São Pelágio plays a central role in the life of the community. It is typically set within the serene and peaceful environment of the settlement, surrounded by the rural landscapes that characterize this region of inland Portugal. Its position allows it to be a point of reference and a visible symbol within the village's urban fabric.
As a religious building of parochial character, the Church of São Pelágio reflects, in its essence, the sobriety and functionality that mark the popular sacred architecture of inland Portugal. Its structure usually features stonework construction, with elements that, over the centuries, may reveal interventions and adaptations. It is common to observe a main façade crowned by a bell tower, which stands as a distinctive visual landmark in the landscape of Vila da Rua, announcing liturgical moments to the community. Its interior, although marked by simplicity, certainly houses the main altar, dedicated to Saint Pelagius, as well as other secondary altars, images, and various pieces of sacred art that illustrate local devotion and spiritual heritage.
Beyond its architectural value, the Church of São Pelágio represents a fundamental pillar of Vila da Rua's cultural heritage and identity. This temple has been, for generations, the epicenter of religious celebrations, festivities, and crucial moments in the lives of its inhabitants. Its enduring presence is a testament to the unwavering faith and resilience of the rural communities in the Viseu district, perpetuating traditions and serving as a living repository of local history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.9455025,-7.5728283
Coordinates DMS: 40°56'43.8"N 07°34'22.2"W