A tremor in the earth. That’s how it began for the Igreja Antiga da Madalena. Not a gentle shake but a violent upheaval. The year was 1755. The Lisbon earthquake reduced much of the city to rubble. The original Igreja Antiga da Madalena wasn’t spared. It was already ancient having endured fires and cyclones. This magnificent church had a history stretching back centuries to 1164 or perhaps even earlier.
Picture this. A grand church. The Igreja Antiga da Madalena stood proudly. It had witnessed centuries of Portuguese history. The original building survived until the devastating earthquake. Only its Manueline portal survived intact a testament to its enduring strength. This magnificent doorway became a symbol of resilience a survivor of the quake.
The earthquake shattered the old church. However it left its stunning Manueline portal standing. This portal a national monument is now a cherished part of the rebuilt Igreja Antiga da Madalena. The present church dates from 1767-1783. It sits on the same foundations as its predecessor. The architect Joao Paulo oversaw its construction. Queen Maria I commissioned the rebuild. It was a symbol of hope and rebirth for the city.
Inside the rebuilt church are exquisite details. There are beautiful marble carvings. The skillful work of Machado de Castro and Jose de Almeida adorns the walls. Pedro Alexandrino’s paintings further enhance the interior’s splendor. The church opened to the public in 1783. It was a joyful celebration a testament to the resilience of the Portuguese people. A new adro was added in 1798 extending over the street. The church blends several architectural styles. These are Pombaline revivalist and neo-Manueline styles.
The portal with its armillary spheres exhibits strong formal similarities with the Madre de Deus Convent church’s portal. There was some debate over its origin. Some believe it came from the extinct Igreja da Conceicao dos Freires. That church is now known as Igreja da Conceicao Velha. The rebuilt Igreja Antiga da Madalena remains a place of worship. It’s a breathtaking example of how the past endures even amidst destruction. The church stands as a symbol of faith and hope a stunning testament to the power of reconstruction. It continues to inspire awe in all who visit this venerable house of worship in Porto.