The Igreja Matriz de Soalhâes stands before us, a testament to history and faith. This beautiful church, dedicated to Saint Martin, has witnessed centuries of change, a living memory of this village’s rich past. Let’s step inside and discover its secrets. Dating back to at least the 14th century, Soalhâes was once a coveted territory for the medieval nobility. This region was so important that even the bishops of Lisbon and Braga took the name of the village, like a symbol of its significance. Today, we can still trace the roots of its Romanesque past, with the main portal bearing the mark of early Gothic style. Although the church underwent transformations in the 18th century, including a new oculus adorning the portal, there are traces of its Romanesque legacy left intact within the building. This is particularly visible in a tomb dated back to either the 13th or 14th century, sheltered by an arcosolium in the chancel. The church boasts a mix of artistic elements. These range from the decorative tile panels, meticulously crafted from wood and painted in a polychrome medium relief, to the gilded ornamentation beyond the altars. It’s like a miniature museum of artistic styles, a testament to the dedication and artistry throughout the centuries. Soalhâes, despite its small size, has a grand history. It was once a thriving town, even holding the status of a Vila (village) before the administrative reforms of the 19th century. Soalhâes may no longer be a Vila, but it remains a place rich in heritage and culture, a tranquil haven with a story to tell.
Soalhães
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
More Places in Porto
Igreja de Anta
“A curious thing happened on June 13th,” I begin, gesturing towards Igreja de Anta. “Not one, not two, but several
António Silva Cardoso Plaque
A plaque. Simple steel. Yet it speaks volumes. This is the António Silva Cardoso plaque. It honors a man. A
Capela Cristo Crucificado
Gazing at the Capela Cristo Crucificado, one can almost hear the echoes of its past. The Capela Cristo Crucificado isn’t
Apeadeiro de Paredes
Imagine a flurry of activity around you. This is Apeadeiro de Paredes. It’s more than just a stop on the
Cruzeiro Paroquial
Beneath the gaze of Porto’s sky, stands the Cruzeiro do Senhor do Padrão. This isn’t just a cross. It’s a
Ponte Joanina
Gazing upon Ponte Joanina, can you sense the echoes of travelers long past? This 18th-century bridge, spanning the Carvalhosa River,