With the inventory featuring on this website I want to share my interest in the Romanesque art and architecture in Portugal. Although the country is not famous for this style, it is surprising how much there is to be seen and discovered.

The Romanesque architecture arrived relatively late in Portugal. With only a few exceptions, the oldest of the present churches were built in the wake of the Reconquista, dating from the mid 12th century. On the other hand, until well over 150 years later, while elsewhere already the finest and highest Gothic cathedrals were being built, in rural Portugal the Romanesque age lingered on.

In this Romanesque age several hundred churches were built. Few of them survived the centuries intact, some disappeared, and many were more or less transformed in later years.
Especially in the 17th and 18th century, when a baroque wave swept the country, many churches were redecorated, renovated, rebuilt or otherwise ruined. Usually the West façade with the main portal was the first part to go. Or else the chancel was extended and its interior covered with a masterpiece of golden curls and curves.
However, in the mid-20th century the Portuguese government took the initiative to restore a number of these churches to their former glory.

With a few words I try to indicate which part of the church, if not all of it, is Romanesque. This is based primarily on what I see, but of course I consult other sources to confirm or refine my view.
Some churches, which I think are either unrecognizable or rather Gothic, are listed on separate pages (not included and gothic, respectively).

Eventually, when I complete this inventory, the main list will contain well over 250 churches. Since I want to visit each church first before putting it on this website, and also because my resources – especially time – are limited, it may take some years to come... In the meantime I hope you enjoy what is already here.

Questions, comments and suggestions are welcome, so do send me an with your feedback!