Ready to uncover a secret of Loivos da Ribeira a tale etched in stone and whispered through time. This is the Igreja de Loivos da Ribeira. It stands as a testament to faith and history in this ancient land.
The Igreja de Loivos da Ribeira’s story is interwoven with the very fabric of this region. The name Ribeira may be linked to D. Martim Pais de Ribeira. He was the brother of D. Maria Pais de Ribeira. This family held significant lands in Ribeira de Pena.
Let’s step back to 1258. The Igreja de Loivos da Ribeira was then known as Samcte Marie de Lobos. By 1320 it appeared as Ecclesiam de Louhos. Fast forward to 1542 and we find its current name Santa Maria Madalena dos Loivos da Ribeira.
The patronage of the Igreja de Loivos da Ribeira once belonged to the morgado of the Capela do Senhor das Chagas. This belonged to the Casa do Paço. Later it passed to the Casa de Távora. They had their coat of arms carved above the chapel’s arch. But this was later removed during the Processo dos Távoras.
Consider the story of Nossa Senhora da Lapinha. In 1755 her image appeared on a rock near the road to Resende. A spring emerged nearby. Devotees attributed miracles to it. A chapel was built and her feast is celebrated on August 15.
In 1758 the parish had 168 inhabitants. They lived in places like Arufe and Bajonca. The area produced wine. Residents sold it to buy food. The Teixeira River powered four mills.
Inside the Igreja de Loivos da Ribeira there were three altars. The Capela do Senhor das Chagas was also incorporated. The altar mor featured images of Santa Maria Madalena and the Menino Jesus.
The administrator of the morgado do Senhor das Chagas was required to fund masses. These masses were to be held twice a week. They also funded a monthly mass at the altar de Nossa Senhora da Saúde. This altar was in the quinta do Paço’s hermitage.
Imagine the fair on July 22. It was held on the day of the patron saint Santa Maria Madalena. In 1855 the cõngrua was one hundred thousand reis.
The Igreja de Loivos da Ribeira once saw a thriving tile industry. Many locals worked as almocreves. They transported cereals to markets.
The first road connecting the Igreja de Loivos da Ribeira to the national road was inaugurated in 1933. The religious festival of Santa Maria Madalena is still celebrated on July 22. The Igreja de Loivos da Ribeira features ancient ceiling paintings.
Álvaro Vieira Soares David was born in Loivos da Ribeira in 1892. He directed the construction of railways and national buildings.
In 1925 Maria Alice Teixeira da Silva was born here. She became a nun. She moved to Brazil. There, she founded social institutions.
The Igreja de Loivos da Ribeira stands as a silent witness. It is a place where faith art and history converge. Its story is a reminder of the enduring spirit of this community.