Remember the year 1714. That was when the Igreja de Santa Maria de Campanhã was built. It stands here on Rua do Falcão in Porto. Close by are the Praça da Corujeira and the Estrada da Circunvalação.
This Igreja de Santa Maria de Campanhã is also known as the Parish Church of Campanhã. It was linked to the Palácio do Freixo. It served as its parish church.
The Igreja de Santa Maria de Campanhã has a history marked by turmoil. It was looted and almost destroyed. This happened in 1809, 1832, and 1834. After these events it was abandoned.
But the church was not forgotten. Restoration work took place in the 19th and 20th centuries. A major renovation and expansion occurred in 1905. This gave the Igreja de Santa Maria de Campanhã new life.
Look at the architecture. The Igreja de Santa Maria de Campanhã features a single nave. It is made of granite stonework. A bell tower rises on the right side. Blue monochromatic tiles adorn the facade. They also cover the right side of the bell tower. José Francisco de Paiva designed this striking facade.
Inside the Igreja de Santa Maria de Campanhã a treasure awaits. It is a remarkable sculpture of Our Lady of Campanhã. It dates back to the 14th century. The sculpture is made of polychrome limestone.
Other notable images are here too. There is Our Lady of the Rosary. It is made of Ançã stone. This dates to the 14th or 15th century. Our Lady of Sorrows is attributed to the 17th century. These are just a few of the artistic treasures within these walls. Many more pieces date from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The gilded woodwork of the tribune and main altar is beautiful. It dates to the 18th century. However it has undergone several restorations. Painted panels depict scenes from religious life.
Notice the Igreja Paroquial de Campanhã’s polygonal design. It includes a single nave and a main chapel. A tower and two sacristies are attached to the south. The facades have pilasters. The main and rear facades have triangular gables. Crosses and pinnacles mark the vertices. Rectangular doors and windows provide light.
The main facade features a portal. It is topped by a circular oculus with plant ornamentation. Small quadrilobed oculi flank the portal. Above these are windows with curved pediments. A frieze and triangular pediment top the entire composition.
The bell tower has three sections. The second section has arched openings for the bells. Blue and white decorative tiles cover the main facade and tower.
Inside the Igreja de Santa Maria de Campanhã the walls are white. The nave ceiling is wood. Rectangular coffers depict scenes from religious life. The main chapel ceiling has stuccoed vaulting. Plant motifs decorate it. The main altarpiece is gilded. The side altars feature polychrome woodwork in white and gold. A pulpit and organ are on the epistle side.
The Igreja de Santa Maria de Campanhã stands as a testament to faith. It also shows artistic dedication. Despite its turbulent past it remains a beacon. It is a beacon in the community of Campanhã.