page_title: Cathedral of Idanha-a-Velha
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Cathedral of Idanha-a-Velha / History
caption_attribution_description: Português: catedral idanha a velha This monument is classified as&#160;Monumento Nacional.It is indexed in the IGESPAR database (Instituto de Gestão do Património Arquitectónico e Arqueológico), under the reference 70554. It is indexed in the SIPA database (Sistema de Informação para o Património Arquitectónico) under the reference 5882. English&#160;| español&#160;| Mirandés&#160;| português&#160;| +/− This file was uploaded for Wiki Loves Monuments in Portugal with the unique identifier 70554. English&#160;| español&#160;| português&#160;| português do Brasil&#160;| +/−
context_page_description: The Former Cathedral of Idanha-a-Velha is a medieval the decommissioned Catholic cathedral of the former bishopric of Egitânia, in the Freguesia of Monsanto e Idanha-a-Velha, in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, in the central Portuguese district of Castelo Branco.
context_section_description: A primitive basilica (Roman church) was constructed sometime in the 4th century. Influenced by this decision, King Theodemar of the Suebic Kingdom of Galicia (died 570) created the Diocese of Egitânia in 559-569. Around 585, the cathedral started to be constructed, that included not only the main structure by the baptistery and the hypothetical palace. In 715 however, the diocese was suppressed (possibly with an apostolic succession of errant bishops), due to the Moorish invasion of Iberia, rendering the church's cathedral function void.
  Between the 9th and 10th century, during the Moorish occupation, the temple was transformed into a mosque.
  Following the Reconquista (sometime between the 12th and 13th century), a new chapel was erected, re-using the materials from the previous construction.  Gualdim Pais, Master of the Knights Templar was donated the region of Idanha-a-Velha by D. Afonso Henriques in 1165. Thirty years later (1197) the region was donated to Lopo Fernandes, then Templar Master in Portugal, who two years later saw the transference of the 'revived' episcopal seat to Guarda, diminishing Idanha's importance, when the bishopric was nominally 'restored' in 1199 but re)amed after its new see as Diocese of Guarda, which built its own cathedral and abandoned the Egitânia title, without awarding Co-cathedral status (like the former Cathedral of Pinhel, another former bishopric).
  In 1229, Master Vicente, then Bishop Guarda, received the donation of the couto (legally immune zone) of Idanha, but Marim Martins became the new master in 1244.
  In 1326, the Templar Knights received 500 pounds from the Commander of Rio Frio, for the "spiritual" benefit and temporal needs of the local population. In addition, 100 libras was received from the commanderies of Almourol and Cardiga and 100 for the "spiritual" needs of Proença.
  Work to renovate the old cathedral were initiated in 1497 by King D. Manuel, who added an additional 5 réis annually for its maintenance. Part of the monies went to the construction of new doorway.
  But, by the 16th century, the church was found partially buried, and work was initiated to recuperate the site, resulting in the correction of the orientation of presbytery. On 10 October 1505, D. João Pereira and Father Francisco, extended the commandery following the death of Father Garcia Afonso, during a state visit. The visitors described a church as including three naves, with seven arches on the right and four on the left, along with two entrance-way (one to the north and smaller to the south). The entrance-way was constructed of sculpted stone, and protected by awning supported by stone columns and covered in tile. Over the principal portico was a stone belfry with two bells and decorated with a weather vane, while to the left of the awning was a building with five arches. The presbytery included vaulted ceiling in granite, with altar over column under a sculpted imagery of the Virgin Mary. There were lateral altars dedicated to Santo António and São Sebastião, with painted sculptures, in addition to images of Santa Catarina and São Sebastião.
  On 10 October 1537, Father António Lisboa visited the site and noted that there was an exterior doorway with awning, supported by five columns, 6 varas high. The chapel had 4 varas length and 4 wide, covered in azulejo tile, that included an old retable with a painting of the Virgin Mary, surmounted by red twill canopy. Alongside the chapel they constructed a sacristy, with collateral altars and painted wood. To the left of the portico was a baptismal fountain.
  In 1589, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Rosário functioned from the site, and by 1593, a new portico was opened on the south facade.
  In the 19th century, the church was transformed into a local cemetery, as a result losing it cultural role.
  The first archaeological prospecting began in 1955, under the responsibility of Fernando de Almeida, the artifacts extract were dispersed throughout various museums and particular collections (Museum Lapidar Igeditano de António Marrocos, Museum Francisco Tavares Proen
caption: The rear of the cathedral structure
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