Santa Maria Madalena Church, Baroque church in Esporões and Guimarães, Portugal.
Santa Maria Madalena Church is a Baroque structure with a granite facade shaped like a retable, topped by two small towers holding busts of Saint Martha and Saint Lazarus. Inside, historical azulejo tiles line the walls alongside ornate carved and gilded woodwork in the chancel area.
Construction began in the early 18th century under Archbishop D. Rodrigo de Moura Teles, with the Portuguese sculptor and architect André Soares leading the design. This period shaped the artistic craftsmanship visible throughout the building's details today.
The church is dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, with her image prominently displayed on a throne in the interior. Locals and pilgrims gather here for religious ceremonies and processions, especially on July 22.
The church sits at an elevated position in the Falperra mountains, offering views of the surrounding landscape. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the approach involves steps and uneven terrain in the area.
The interior contains azulejo tiles spanning different periods, creating a visual record of Portuguese tile artistry across centuries. This layering of older and newer ceramic work offers an unexpected window into how craftsmanship evolved within the same space.
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