“Cito Facta”. Ever heard of it? That’s an old name linked to the Igreja de São Martinho de Cedofeita. It means “Made Early”. Let’s dive into the story behind this ancient and remarkable church.
Welcome to the Igreja de São Martinho de Cedofeita. It is arguably the oldest church in Porto. Its stones whisper tales from 1500 years of history. Imagine standing where kings and bishops once stood. Think of all the prayers said within these walls.
Legend says King Teodomiro of the Suebi people ruled this region. His son fell terribly ill. Desperate he promised Saint Martin of Tours that he would do anything to cure his son. He sent ambassadors to Tours with gold and silver equal to his son’s weight. The Bishop of Braga brought back a relic of Saint Martin. When the relic touched the king’s son he was healed. In gratitude Teodomiro converted his people to Catholicism. He ordered a church built in honor of the saint in 559. Because it was built so quickly it was called “Cito Facta” which later became Cedofeita.
The Igreja de São Martinho de Cedofeita has seen many changes. Before the current Romanesque structure at least two other temples stood here. The oldest remains date back to the late 9th or early 10th century. Two triumphal arch capitals survive from that era.
In 868 the warrior Vímara Peres reconquered Porto from the Moors. He expanded the Portuguese border to the Douro River. Some believe he rebuilt or constructed a temple here. The two capitals may be remnants of his work. These capitals connect to late-Asturian construction. They feature soft limestone contrasting with later granite works.
The Romanesque phase truly took hold around the 12th century. Documents mention a monastery of Cedofeita existing alongside a religious college. This community followed the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine. The religious community gained support from a factory in the 13th century. By the 16th century the College of Cedofeita owned much property in Porto.
Between the 17th and 18th centuries the church was remodeled. Lateral chapels extended from the nave. The west facade was tiled over. A new bell tower and southern cloister were added. The chancel was extended and decorated with stucco.
In 1767 an inscription appeared on the western door tympanum. It claimed King Theodemar founded the church in 559. Bishop Lucrécio of Braga consecrated it. This inscription was based on a parchment found in 1556 but the original stone was never found.
Restoration began in 1930. It revealed many 17th and 18th century additions. Renovations aimed to give the church a more medieval look. The organ was removed. Further restorations occurred throughout the 20th century.
Today Igreja de São Martinho de Cedofeita stands as a unique monument. It is the only single-nave vaulted-ceiling stone church remaining in Portugal. Its thick buttresses support the structure. The main facade features a portico with animal decorations showing Coimbra influences. The north portal resembles those at Porto Cathedral. Inside you will find reused capitals with sculpted vegetation.
The Igreja de São Martinho de Cedofeita links Porto to Saint Martin. It connects us to ancient kings and bishops. It stands as a testament to faith and time. As you leave take one last look at this remarkable church. Think about the centuries of stories held within its walls.