Century XIX
The original church dates back to the 12th century according to an inscription dated 1125 from the Christian era, found during the renovation and expansion works of 1879 by Father Bento José da Mota (1837-1913), a parish priest between 1878-1913, who gave this church a neoclassical architectural style, with a longitudinal shape and richly decorated façade. The granite façade of the region is curved and profusely ornate, with the bell tower in the centre. The tower is crossed by a bowed gate topped by a window crowned with the patron saint’s niche, St. Pelagius, flanked by two windows, symmetrical, in straight weft and topped by cushion motifs. A dome decorated with flame-like motifs and a cross tops it.
Its interior has three naves, with the gilded carved main chapel, as well as the ceilings, altarpieces, tiles and stained-glass windows.
Winter, Monday to Friday, 17h00-19h00. Saturday, 18h00-20h00 Sunday, 07h00-12h00
Summer, Monday to Friday, 18h00-20h00, Saturday, 9h00-21h00. Sunday, 07h00 -12h00
Festivities: 1st weekend of July. Saturday, 14h00-02h00. Sunday, 07h00-24h00.
St. Pelagius
One of the most important medieval peninsular saints, patron saint of many parishes. Pelagius (or Pelayo) is closely related to the so-called “Christian Reconquista”, that is, the process of reconquering the Christian lands of the Iberian Peninsula occupied by the Islamic peoples (Moors, Muslims, Arabs and Berbers) in the 8th century. This imagery of Reconquista and the construction of a Christian peninsular identity as opposed to that of the “Moors” was one of the most significant cultural milestones of the peninsular history of the Ancient Regime. Hence, St. Pelagius was a saint venerated between legend and history. Born in the Peninsular Northwest (now Galicia), he is said to have participated in the battle between Ordoño II of Leon and Abd al-Raḥmān III, emir of Cordoba, at the age of 13, accompanying his uncle Hermigius, bishop of Tui. As they were held hostage, Hermigius and his nephew, were taken to Cordoba. There Hermigius, bishop of Tui, managed to negotiate the ransom, leaving his nephew Pelagius as payment guarantee. Once the emir learned of the presence of this young and beautiful boy, he tried to seduce Pelagius and convert him to the Islamic faith. The young man refused the conversion and the emir’s attempt to seduce him. Pelagius was martyred and then thrown into the Guadalquivir River. His feast is celebrated on June 26th in the Liturgical Calendar.
Legend of Paúl das Feiticeiras
Those who pass by the old steep hills and paths of the village, in late hours of the night, whilst arriving at crossroads and open places, can be met with surprise. Legend has it that witches like to gather in these places, to celebrate parties and abuse those who want to pass by. Many are the accounts by people that hear the laughter and noise they make.
In the village, whoever climbs up the old Bouça Velha and crosses the hill see that the vegetation hides the moonlight, even on full moon days, making everything dark. Some say that they have seen them and often, when one gets to the paúl, they find the witches gathering. Once, a curious man from the village, went there and armed himself with a stick, if necessary. It was of no use. The witches mocked him and left him so unwell, that he did not show up for many days as he was ashamed.
