Igreja Matriz de Cárquere, Romanesque church in Cárquere, Portugal
Igreja Românica de Santa Maria de Cárquere is a Romanesque church with monastic buildings in Portugal composed of several interconnected sections. The stone structure includes a nave, main chapel, sacristy, pantheon, bell tower, and monastic quarters arranged around a cloister featuring geometric designs.
Construction of the monastery began in the 12th century and it became the sole Augustinian Canons establishment in Lamego's diocese by around 1320. The property later passed to Jesuit control, marking a shift in its religious and administrative purpose.
The interior holds a 14th-century White Virgin sculpture carved from Ançã stone and an ivory image of Nossa Senhora de Cárquere. These pieces reflect the artistic skill and spiritual importance this place held for worshippers.
The site is located on Rua do Mosteiro in Cárquere and welcomes visitors who wish to explore its buildings. Contact the location by phone or email beforehand to confirm opening times and access details.
The monastery capitals display the earliest known bagpipe carvings on the Iberian Peninsula, crafted into stone during medieval times. These sculptures offer a glimpse into the musical traditions and daily life of that period.
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