Church of Saint Mary or Serpa's Main Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Serpa > Serpa > Bairro Municipal

Location

The Church of Santa Maria, also known as the Mother Church of Serpa, is located in Largo de Santa Maria or Largo dos Santos Próculo and Hilarião, in the parish of Serpa (Salvador and Santa Maria), municipality of Serpa, in the district of Beja, Portugal.

History

The church was built in the 14th century, possibly on the remains of an old Arab mosque. It is considered a building of great historical and cultural importance.

Classification

The Church of Santa Maria is classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1984, due to its architectural and historical value.

Exterior Architecture

The highlight is the impressive entrance portal, with side columns that support the images of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The church also has a quadrangular bell tower, on the left, which houses a cylindrical structure, possibly a remnant of the old mosque.

Interior Architecture

The interior of the church consists of three naves, separated by arches supported by columns. In the side chapels, you can appreciate the gilded wood carvings, exemplifying the decorative richness of the Baroque style. The chancel, which dominates the entire ensemble, dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Other decorative elements include a statue of Our Lady of Fátima, images of Christ, and ornamental elements with vegetal, animal, and human motifs.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Santa_Maria_(Serpa)

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