Igreja Paroquial de Nine

Did the name “Nine” come from British railway workers? Right here, before the Igreja Paroquial de Nine, this very question echoes through time. The Igreja Paroquial de Nine holds a unique place in the heart of Nine. Its story intertwines with the very name of this charming village. Records of the parish, Santa Maria de Nine, date back to 1594, stretching all the way to 1911. The church itself has seen centuries come and go. Located in Nine, within the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão, the Igreja Paroquial de Nine served as a reitoria. This means it was under the patronage of the Mitra and the Order of Christ within the Barcelos district. The parish encompassed various small villages like Aldeia Nova, Azenhas da Borralheira and many others. Originally part of Barcelos, Nine became part of Vila Nova de Famalicão in 1852. The Igreja Paroquial de Nine has always been a part of the Braga diocese. Local lore whispers a tale about the name “Nine.” During the construction of the northern railway line, British workers, unfamiliar with the local names, supposedly numbered the stations from Braga. “Nine,” they concluded, was the ninth station. This story, while intriguing, remains just that – a story. Regardless of its origin, the Igreja Paroquial de Nine stands as a testament to the rich history of this area. The church holds within its walls the stories of baptisms, marriages, and funerals. It’s a living archive, a testament to the lives lived within this community. The very stones of the Igreja Paroquial de Nine could whisper tales if they could speak.