Perhaps you did not know that the Igreja da Agrela has roots stretching back to a time when Portugal was still defining its borders. Agrela was once known as Sanctos Petrus de Agrella. This translates to Saint Peter of Agrela.
Let me paint a picture of Agrela’s past. Initially, it belonged to the Count Rui Pereira. He was the first Count of Feira. The Count held it from 1430 to 1539. Then Manuel Cyrne stepped in.
With royal consent from King D. João III, Manuel Cyrne purchased Agrela from the Count. This marked a shift in Agrela’s destiny. Manuel Cyrne was no ordinary man. He was a factor in Portugal. He lived in Málaga, Andaluzia. He also served as the chief provider of the treasury of Mazagão. In 1539, he bought the council of Refoios de Riba d’Ave. He continued his commercial interests. He traded in spices. He did business with some of Europe’s biggest names.
Manuel Cyrne died in Porto. He was buried in the main chapel of the Convent of São Domingos. His son, João Cyrne, moved his remains in 1594. He moved them to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia. This chapel is in the parish of São Pedro de Agrela.
In 1925, workers opened the tomb during church renovations. Among the mortal remains, they found fragments of a sword and exotic wood. The tomb bears the coat of arms of the Cyrnes. It is one of the most beautiful in Portuguese heraldry. It features a swan and seven gold stars.
Manuel Cyrne became known as the lord of the council of Refoyos de Riba d`Ave. This council included nine parishes. Agrela was the head of the council. Later, his son João Cyrne was born. Manuel decided to change his title. He became known as the lord of the Agrela estate.
João Cyrne’s son, Manuel Cyrne da Silva, went to India. He was a nobleman of the Royal House. In 1668, the donation of the Land of Refoyos was confirmed to him. This was by succession. Felgueiras Gayo tells us he lost the lordship due to crimes. Later, he bought it back for 25 contos. He bought it from Roque Monteiro Paim.
Roque Monteiro Paim was a commander of Santa Maria de Campanhã. He was in the bishopric of Porto. He belonged to the Order of Christ. He had a doctorate in civil law from the University of Coimbra. He served as the secretary of state.
Until 1834, Agrela belonged to the municipality of Refojos de Riba d’Ave. Later, it belonged to Alfena. In 1836, the municipality of Valongo was founded. Alfena became part of Valongo. Agrela became a parish of the municipality of Santo Tirso.
Augusto de Faria Carneiro Pacheco was born in 1888. He was one of Agrela’s most important figures. He was a benefactor. He helped the Santa Casa de Misericórdia. He aided the Volunteer Firefighters. He supported the Association for the Protection of the Poor. He contributed to the Brotherhood of Nossa Senhora de Assunção. Carneiro Pacheco was a large landowner. He was the lord of the House of Agrela. He died in 1962 after a stroke. He had a stroke during a speech congratulating José Pacheco. José Pacheco was a cyclist who won the Volta a Portugal.
Agrela also boasts a strategic location. It allows residents to reach Santo Tirso quickly. Paços de Ferreira, Porto, Alfena, and Valongo are also easily accessible. The EN207 starts here. It connects Agrela to Paços de Ferreira and Vila de Lousada. It is near an entrance to the A41 highway. It is also close to the EN105.
As you stand before the Igreja da Agrela, remember its deep roots. Think of the people who shaped its destiny. Reflect on the stories etched into its very stones. This is more than just a church. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Agrela.