Church of the Holy House of Mercy of Odemira

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Odemira > Odemira > Bairro do Símplicio

Location

Situated in the village of Odemira, in the Bairro do Símplicio, the Church of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia is located in the heart of the historic area. Its access is via a small square, providing a peaceful and inviting environment for observing its singular facade.

A Look at History

Built in the late 16th century, this church is intrinsically linked to the founding of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia brotherhood of Odemira, which occurred in 1569. Over the centuries, the building underwent several transformations, including a period in the second half of the 20th century when it ceased to have religious functions, being adapted for various civil uses. However, its historical and architectural relevance was recognized in 2011, with its classification as a Monument of Public Interest. Currently, the space has been undergoing valorization interventions to be integrated into cultural activities.

Style and Form

The church is a remarkable example of the Mannerist architectural style, an erudite and uncommon approach in the region. Externally, its structure features a longitudinal rectangular plan, with the sacristy and other annexed dependencies. What distinguishes it, however, is the particularity of its interior: an ingenious transition from a rectangular plan to an oval-shaped space. This unification of spaces is unusual in religious constructions of the period, giving it a unique identity. The main facade, facing east, displays a Mannerist marble portal, detailed with pilasters and topped by a niche with volutes, where an image of Our Lady of the Visitation once stood.

The Revealed Frescoes

Despite the alterations undergone in the 20th century, which led to the loss of much of its original decoration, the church's interior holds an artistic treasure. Hidden beneath layers of lime, remarkable mural paintings, executed using the fresco technique, were discovered. These works of art, considered unique in Alentejo, depict various biblical scenes and figures of saints, such as the Visitation of Our Lady to Saint Elizabeth and the Evangelists. The richness and value of these paintings even led an art historian to nickname it the "Sistine Chapel of Odemira", underlining the cultural importance and uniqueness of this hidden gem in local religious architecture.

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