Aveiro Misericórdia Church, Dispatch rooms and annexes

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Aveiro > Aveiro > Aveiro > Misericórdia

Foundation of the brotherhood

The Irmandade da Misericórdia de Aveiro was founded in 1498, after the creation of the Misericórdia of Lisbon.

Initial headquarters

The original headquarters of the brotherhood was located in the Chapel of Santo Ildefonso, near the parish church of São Miguel. However, this location was insufficient to meet the needs of the community.

Construction of its own church

The brotherhood undertook efforts to build its own church and a hospital throughout the 16th century. The construction of the church began in 1600 and was completed in 1669.

Architectural style

The Church of Misericórdia de Aveiro follows a Mannerist structure, combining Tridentine influences in its plan with Italo-Flemish decorative elements.

Facade

The facade was covered with tiles in 1876 and stands out for its portal treated as a large altarpiece, following the Flemish architectural trend.

Triumphal arch

The triumphal arch, which frames the entrance to the chancel, features a system of overlapping orders and is similar to other temples built by Gregório Lourenço.

Main altarpiece

The main altarpiece, in Mannerist style, has a structure similar to the portal of the main facade, establishing a visual relationship between the two elements.

Architectural influences

The church shows structural and decorative similarities with other temples such as São Salvador de Moreira da Maia, São Salvador de Grijó and the Jesuit college of São Lourenço do Porto.

Inspiration from masters of Portuguese Mannerism

The work reveals influences from other masters, such as Jerónimo de Ruão and Manuel Luís, who contributed to the Mannerist style.

Dispatch Rooms and annexes

In addition to the church, the Misericórdia de Aveiro complex includes the Dispatch Rooms and annexes, which were completed in 1608, and the hospital, completed in 1615.

Historical and religious significance

The Church of Misericórdia de Aveiro has significant historical and religious importance, reflecting the devotion and actions of the brotherhood throughout the centuries.