Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Beja > Beja > Beja > Salvador e Santa Maria da Feira
Located in the city of Beja, in the union of parishes of Salvador and Santa Maria da Feira, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pé da Cruz is situated in a recently expanded urban area, in the former Alcaçarias outskirt. The site, set halfway up a slope on steeply uneven ground, is surrounded by one or two-story dwellings and benefits from the proximity of a garden with luxuriant trees, which lends a more tranquil atmosphere to the surroundings.
The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pé da Cruz dates back to the late 15th century, with records of a chapel existing on the site as early as 1499. In the 17th century, in 1669, the temple underwent a significant reconstruction that gave it its current form. Throughout the centuries, this church was the seat of the Royal Brotherhood of Nossa Senhora do Pé da Cruz, an institution with an important social role, which not only managed an annexed hospital (that of Santa Vera Cruz), but also dedicated itself to the care of the dying and the burial of those condemned to death, a common practice at the time.
The exterior architecture of the church reflects the so-called "plain style" (gosto chão), characterized by its sobriety and parallelepipedal volumes. The main façade, plastered and whitewashed, is enlivened by pilastered cornerstones of Trigaches marble masonry and topped by a triangular pediment. Despite the exterior austerity, which stands out among the surrounding houses, this simplicity prepares the visitor for the artistic richness that awaits them inside, creating a notable contrast.
The interior of the church is a true revelation, where architectural rigor gives way to the decorative opulence of the Baroque. The nave walls are entirely covered with corn cob pattern tiles from the 17th century, in blue and yellow tones, which harmonize with the oil paintings on canvas arranged in panels. In the chancel, carpet tiles, in blue, yellow, and green, create an even more vibrant atmosphere.
The highlight is the main altarpiece, a monumental and sophisticated work of gilded woodcarving, executed by Manuel João da Fonseca in 1703. This altarpiece, in the national style transitioning to the Joanine, is richly carved and gilded, with polychrome accents, illustrating the splendor of mature Baroque. In the chancel space, there are also two lateral altarpieces of Joanine carving, a less common feature for this location.
In addition to the woodcarving and tiles, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pé da Cruz holds other artistic treasures. In the vault of the Brotherhood Hall, one can admire mural paintings in architectural perspective, one of the few examples preserved in Alentejo. On the end wall, at the high choir level, stand out "grotesque" type mural paintings made with gold leaf in 1672, revealed during recent requalification works. The wrought iron railing that defines the chancel and the elegant sacristy lavabo are other elements that enrich the visitor's experience, underlining the attention to detail present throughout the building.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.016273702707274, -7.8578463983044005
Coordinates DMS: 38°00'58.6"N 07°51'28.2"W
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