Church of Saint Francis and Convent of Saint Francis

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Moura > Moura

Location:

Located in the historic center of Moura, the complex stands in a cobbled square surrounded by buildings reminiscent of the old conventual enclosure. The urban environment, with its irregular layout, favors scenic perspectives on the main façade, highlighting the discreet but solid presence of the building.

Nearby, grass and a few plane trees punctuate the square, offering a stopping point to appreciate the silhouette of the bell tower and the harmony of the sculptural volumes framed by the Alentejo sky.

Historical Value:

The Church and Convent originated in 1547, when D. João III donated the land to the Franciscan friars. Construction continued until the last quarter of the 17th century, a period during which the main portal was erected and the Mannerist-Post-Tridentine typology was consolidated.

In 2003, the complex was classified as a Property of Public Interest, a recognition that highlights its cultural relevance and the legacy of the Franciscan presence in the region.

Architecture and Decoration:

The façade stands out for its stone altarpiece-portal, flanked by Ionic columns and volutes, crowned by a central niche and broken pediment. Inside, the nave features ribbed vaults converging on marble carved keystones.

Among the side chapels, the Capela da Vieira stands out, sculpted in white marble, as do the Rococo altarpieces (with dark brown polychromy and golden accents) which illustrate the artistic refinement of the 18th century, lending the space an atmosphere that is simultaneously austere and refined.

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