Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption of Messejana / Church of Entre Vinhas

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Aljustrel > Messejana > Entre Vinhas

Location and characteristics

Located on top of a small hill in a rural area, about three kilometers from the village of Messejana, in Alentejo, Portugal. It has a rectangular plan with a single nave, chancel, apse, two bell towers and two sacristy volumes. It has a main facade with a portal, large window and a trimmed and undulating pediment. The bell towers are arranged diagonally in relation to the facade.

Architecture

Example of Baroque style, with influences from Brazilian Baroque. The blue painted elements on the white walls, similar to Brazilian Baroque buildings, stand out. The arrangement of the towers is rare in Portugal, but common in Brazil. It has a walled churchyard around the building.

Interior

The nave is covered by a barrel vault, with pilasters and two sinks. There are two small doors that give access to the towers. The main altarpiece is ornamented with gilded and polychrome wood carvings in blue tones. The chancel has 18th-century tiles depicting religious scenes. The pulpits and the sacristy with a niche in carved stone also stand out.

Historical importance

Considered one of the main Baroque monuments in Alentejo. Relevant religious center both in Messejana and in the region. It attracts pilgrims and holds an annual procession.

Foundation and reconstruction

Probably built in the 15th century, previously known as Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Entre Vinhas. It suffered significant damage during the 1755 Earthquake and was rebuilt in the 18th century. Works financed by local inhabitants and Brazilian emigrants.

Recent challenges

Affected by the 1969 Earthquake and subject to robberies, resulting in the loss of part of its heritage. In 2003, it was classified as a Property of Public Interest and the Special Protection Zone was implemented. In 2015, another assault occurred, in which an 18th-century bronze bell was stolen.

Appeal for preservation

The theft of the bell highlighted the need for a Safeguarding Plan for Religious Heritage and the concern with the preservation of rural churches due to desertification.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ermida_de_Nossa_Senhora_da_Assunção_(Messejana)

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt