Igreja de São Tomé in Caldas das Taipas

Igreja de São Tomé (Caldas das Taipas) is the parish church, the Igreja Matriz, of the spa town of Caldas das Taipas in the municipality of Guimarães, northern Portugal. Saint Thomas is the patron not only of the church but of the whole parish, which was formerly recorded as São Tomé de Caldelas.

Where is it and why stop here?

Caldas das Taipas is known for its hot springs, which people have used since Roman times. The church stands in the centre of town and makes an easy stop on a walk around the area. For visitors to Guimarães, it is a short excursion beyond the historic city centre.

What is the history of the church?

The present building is fairly young. In 1910 the Count of Agrolongo, José Francisco Correia, decided to pay out of his own pocket for a new parish church. Work took five years, following a design by João de Moura Eça Coutinho. The church was inaugurated on 11 April 1915.

What does the building look like?

The church was designed in the Neo-Romanesque style. Its original furnishings included two side altars, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to Saint Joseph, and a main altar of gilded wood. Interior fittings may have changed over time, so treat this as a description of the original state.

What else is there to see nearby?

Right beside the church stands the Ara de Trajano, a large granite block carrying a long Latin inscription in honour of the Roman emperor Trajan, dated to the year 103. The text shows that the healing waters here were already valued in imperial times. A young Neo-Romanesque church next to an ancient monument lets you see several eras of local history in one spot.

The Ponte das Taipas bridge is also nearby and can be added to a stroll through the town.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church old? No. The current building dates from 1910 to 1915, although the parish dedicated to Saint Thomas is much older.

Who paid for it? The Count of Agrolongo, José Francisco Correia, financed the construction.

What style is the church? Neo-Romanesque.

What is next to the church? The Roman Ara de Trajano, a granite block with a Latin inscription honouring Emperor Trajan.

Is it a good place for a short visit? Yes. You can see the church and the Roman monument beside it in a short time, and the stop combines easily with a walk through the spa town. Check opening hours for the interior locally or with the tourist office, since parish churches usually keep their own schedule of services and visits.