Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Beja > Aljustrel > Aljustrel
The Church of Misericórdia is integrated into the urban core of the village of Aljustrel. It is located in a prominent place within the surrounding fabric of buildings, making it a point of reference within the inhabited area.
Its position within the context of the village reflects the historical importance of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Holy House of Mercy) in the life of the local community throughout the centuries.
This temple dates back to the 16th century, although it underwent alterations and additions in later periods, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its construction is intrinsically linked to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Aljustrel.
Its initial purpose was to serve as a place of religious assistance for the sick and to provide a space for prayer for those who contributed donations to the institution. It thus functioned as a vital center of social and spiritual support for the population.
The church's main facade features traits indicative of the Mannerist style. The entrance portal, accessed by a staircase, stands out. This portal is surmounted by a triangular pediment and supported by columns. In the tympanum, we can observe a shield with the symbol of the Five Wounds of Christ, a very characteristic element of Misericórdia churches, which includes the crown of thorns and the whip, alluding to the Passion.
On the frieze above the portal, there is a Latin inscription: "MIA DNI PLENA EST TERRA", an abbreviation of "misericordia domini plena est terra", which means "the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord", extracted from Psalm 32. A small bell tower, with an unusual semi-circular finial for this type of building, rises laterally.
Upon entering, we find a space organized into a single nave followed by a smaller chancel, separated by a triumphal arch. One of the most notable aspects are the vaults that cover the interior, with different rib patterns, that of the nave features a typology reminiscent of the Manueline Style, while the chancel's vault has a distinct design.
On the keystone bosses of the vaults, symbols of the Passion are repeated, including the Five Wounds. In the central niche of the chancel, there is a venerable image of the Virgin Mary, represented as Our Lady of Sorrows. The interior also houses four Mannerist paintings depicting important biblical scenes, such as the Visitation, the Annunciation, the Nativity, and the Resurrection. The chancel also displays decorative elements in stucco with Rococo inspiration and panels from old altarpieces.
Beyond its architectural and artistic beauty, the Church of Misericórdia holds strong symbolic value in Aljustrel. It was here that important religious festivities traditionally took place, such as those of Holy Week, culminating in the procession of the Dead Lord.
Also, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, celebrated on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, and the liturgical feast of Saint Elizabeth (Holy Queen), in July, were linked to this site, reinforcing its importance in the religious calendar and community life of the village, keeping alive the memory of its charitable and welfare function.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.8800212,-8.164137
Coordinates DMS: 37°52'48.1"N 08°09'50.9"W
Weather Aljustrel
On-duty Pharmacy Aljustrel
