Church of Santo André, Romanesque church in Fiães, Melgaço, Portugal.
The Church of Santo André features a granite structure with three naves and distinctive Romanesque architectural elements, including archivolts and medieval stonework that reflect the religious construction techniques of medieval Portugal.
Originally part of a monastery dating back to the 9th century, the church was mentioned in historical records from 815 and underwent significant renovations during the 17th and 18th centuries that altered its original medieval configuration.
Designated as a National Monument of Portugal, the church preserves Cistercian religious traditions and houses historical artifacts including tombs, religious sculptures, and baroque altars that represent centuries of Portuguese ecclesiastical heritage.
The church remains accessible to visitors through external parking facilities and serves as an active parish church, located approximately 700 meters above sea level in the rural Fiães area near other heritage sites.
The church contains a 16th-century granite cross dated 1557 in its churchyard and preserves archaeological remains of drainage systems and pavement from earlier construction phases discovered through recent excavations.
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