Igreja de Santo André de Vila Boa de Quires
Vista exterior frontal / Front
Vista do público / View from the audience
Vista exterior lateral / Side view
Vista exterior frontal / Front
The Church of Vila Boa de Quires was built in the second quarter of the 13th century, as part of a monastic complex. It seems to have been secularized already in the 14th century and was linked to the lineage of the Portocarreiros, with particular local and regional importance throughout the Middle Ages.
The main façade stands out as one of the most elaborate in the Lower Tâmega, similar to the Church of Barrô (Resende). The portal resembles the one in the Church of the Monastery of Paço de Sousa (Penafiel), featuring decorated capitals with symmetrical motifs of botanic nature. The corbels [salient support stones] feature the shape of bovine heads.
From: Rota do Românico
The Space
Located in the town centre. Very good access, vehicles may stop right in front of the church door and there are no steps.
In need of some maintenance. There are cracks in the doors resulting in poor sound insulation and the existence of air currents.
The lighting is insufficient for concerts and difficult for reading music scores.
Despite being a parish church, many of the celebrations are held in another building nearby.
Strong points
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Easy access with no steps.
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Ample parking space.
Weak points
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Poor lighting.
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Cracks in doors.
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Little storage space.
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Little furniture available to be used.
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Outside toilet.
Score from 0 to 10
6
The Sound
The recordings were all made using the same methodology, keeping the same distances between performers and using the same recording technique (AB Omni 40cm spacing)
Less versatile space due to its size and room distribution. Small presbytery with a closed arch.
Because of its size and materials, the sound space is small, supporting the voices with an adequate response. Good for small ensembles or solo instruments.
The shorter reverb time allows for more distant recordings while maintaining definition.
The vestry provides a good space for setting up the recording equipment.
Strong points
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Balanced reverb decay.
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First reflections controlled by the presence of wooden altars.
Weak points
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Small reverb favouring mid-range.
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Insufficient sound insulation but the church is situated in a relatively quiet area.
Score from 0 to 10
4
The Surroundings
Located in the centre of a small town. Some services at walking distance. Close to a mid-sized town (Marco de Canaveses) where there are more services. Several restaurants 2 km away.
The concert had a good turnout despite being held on a stormy day.
Strong points
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Some services very close by.
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Restaurants 2 to 5 km away.
Weak points
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Roads in the surroundings.
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Airplane routes passing nearly overhead.
Score from 0 to 10
5
Important Information and Documents
Complete Documents
The Space
The Sound
The Surroundings
Contacts
For more information about this space or the project:
E-mail: projectocardo@gmail.com
Telf.: +351 912 332 530
Parceiros:
