Church of the Misericórdia of Beja or Old Municipal Butchers

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Beja > Beja > Santiago Maior e São João Baptista

National Monument

- The Igreja da Misericórdia de Beja (Church of Mercy of Beja) is a building classified as a National Monument, notable for its historical and architectural importance.

Origin and Construction

- It was built in the 16th century, by order of Infante D. Luís, Duke of Beja. Initially, the objective was to create a meat market, or butchery, in the city's main square.

Unique Architecture

- The building presents a unique architecture, influenced by the Italian Renaissance. Its structure follows the model of Italian loggias, which makes it different from other typical buildings of the time in Portugal.

Change of Function

- Due to its grandeur, Infante D. Luís considered that the building was not suitable for the original function. Therefore, he decided to offer it to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Holy House of Mercy), which adapted it to serve as a church.

Restoration

- In the 1940s, the building underwent a restoration that allowed to restore part of its original appearance.

Sources: https://pt.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficheiro:Igreja_da_Misericórdia_-_Beja_-_Portugal_(53079926299).jpg

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