São José Church
São José Church
The current version of the São José Church dates from the 18th century, believing that the primitive version would be from the 15th century, being a testament to the important geographical and political position that Atouguia de Baleia occupied in other times.
From an artistic point of view, its little decorated exterior highlights the fact that it only has a bell tower.
As far as interior decoration is concerned, it is worth mentioning the main altarpiece in wood and its decoration and also the representative sculptures of São José, São Francisco de Assis and Santa Bárbara.
Result of its importance, São José Church is another example of the heritage of a religious nature that is part of the Route of the Churches of the Municipality of Peniche.
Its importance is not only linked to its past, nor to its artistic motives.
Atouguia da Baleia Interpretive Center
In 2012, after undergoing requalification and expansion works, the Atouguia da Baleia Interpretative Center was installed in the Church of São José.
The project for the creation of the Interpretative Center of Atouguia da Baleia aims to invest in the study, appreciation and dissemination of the historical and cultural heritage of Atouguia da Baleia, contributing to promote local heritage and identity in the most varied areas.
The creation of the Interpretative Center of Atouguia da Baleia allowed to give a new use to this church that already presented some signs of deterioration.
In the Interpretative Center of Atouguia da Baleia, the Touril was also integrated, a set of stone pillars with holes that attract the attention of all who pass there and which are known as “trenches” and that refer to an old bullfighting enclosure from the 18th century. .
The Church and the Atouguia da Baleia Interpretative Center are, for all these reasons, two of the reasons that make this an indispensable place to visit that you can combine with the visit to many other local heritage sites, such as the ruins of the Castle, the Cruise, the churches or the Pillory.
