Beneath a Romanesque tower, stands the Igreja Matriz de Urrô. It is very well preserved. Imagine villagers gathering here centuries ago. The Igreja Matriz de Urrô has been a focal point of this community for a long time.
The church’s history is deeply entwined with the parish of São Miguel de Urrô. Once it was a curato. It was under the presentation of the Mosteiro de Arouca. King D. João III confirmed this annexation on June 22 1554. Later it became an abbey.
This church is dedicated to São Miguel. The Igreja Matriz de Urrô boasts five altars. Each altar has its own altarpiece. Above it all rises a beautiful bell tower. It showcases a Romanesque style.
In November 1951, the tower was declared a building of public interest. This was done by Decree No. 38.491. The tower stands as a testament to its historical and cultural value.
Records of baptisms, marriages, and deaths were kept within the parish. These records date from February 10 1564 to March 31 1911. These historical documents provide a glimpse into the lives of those who lived here. They document important life events of the community.
Until the creation of the Civil Registry in 1911, the parish church held these records. A law published in the Diário do Governo required parishes to hand over their registers. These included baptism, marriage, and death records. They were to be given to the Civil Registry offices.
The archive of the Igreja Matriz de Urrô has had an interesting journey. It was once held by the Archive of the University of Coimbra. In 1976, it was transferred to the District Archive of Aveiro. The District Archive of Aveiro had been created in 1965. But it only had proper facilities six years later. In 2002, the documentation moved to the current facilities.
The archive has grown over time. It includes incorporations from the University of Coimbra in 1976. It also includes materials from the Arouca Civil Registry Conservatory in 2012. The archive is organized functionally. Within each series, the records are arranged chronologically.
Today, the Igreja Matriz de Urrô stands as a reminder of Urrô’s past. Its well-preserved state and historical significance make it a point of interest. It connects the present to the past. It offers insights into the religious and social life of the community over centuries. The Igreja Matriz de Urrô continues to be cherished and protected. It is a symbol of faith and heritage. It is an enduring landmark for all to appreciate.