Church of Our Lady of Olive (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira) description and photos - Portugal: Guimaraes (Topic)

Church of Our Lady of Olive (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira) description and photos - Portugal: Guimaraes. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.

Photo and description

The Church of Our Lady of Oliva is located in Piazza Oliveira. The Church of Our Lady of Oliva is part of an old monastery that was founded in the 10th century. The church was built in the 12th century by King Afonso Henriques of Portugal as a token of gratitude for his victory at the Battle of Ouric. After this battle, the soldiers proclaimed Afonso king of Portugal, and Portugal became an independent state. There is also another legend about the origin of this church: the Visigoth king Wamba stuck a twig of an olive tree in the place where the church stands and swore an oath that he would not reign until the branch bloomed. After the king spoke, the branch blossomed.

In the 14th century, the church was enlarged and rebuilt by King Joao I, who made a vow to the Holy Virgin Mary to restore the church, which began to collapse, if he wins at Aljubarotta. The king kept his promise, the reconstruction of the temple was carried out under the direction of the architect Garcia de Toledo. During the renovation, most of the original Romanesque covered galleries were destroyed. The chapter building and wings of two covered galleries are Romanesque with Mudejar elements (current in the architecture of Spain XIV-XVI centuries).

This church is the only one in Portugal, in which the ceiling of the Gothic style is decorated with paintings. The paintings on the ceiling also show the Byzantine influence. Prayer chairs of the 16th century with neoclassical backs deserve special attention. A silver altar in the Gothic style and a panel with a picture in the Capella do Santissimo Sacramento attract attention. In the tower, which is adjacent to the church and dates from 1513,

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Topic: Church of Our Lady of Olive (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira) description and photos - Portugal: Guimaraes.