Church of Saint James (Entradas) or Entradas' Main Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Castro Verde > Entradas

Location and Designation

The Main Church of Entradas is located in the village of Entradas, in the municipality of Castro Verde, Portugal. It is also known as the Parish Church of Entradas or Church of São Tiago.

Monument of Public Interest

The church has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1993, which highlights its historical and architectural value.

History and Connection with the Order of Santiago

The church was dedicated to the Apostle Saint James the Greater, demonstrating the historical relationship between Entradas and the Order of Santiago. It was a commendation of the order.

Exterior Architecture

The building is marked by its verticality, with a single nave and a prominent chancel. The large bell tower is a symbol of the village and can be seen from afar. The main facade is simple, with a rectangular portal and a large window above. On the roof, acroteria with urns in the Baroque style stand out.

Baroque Main Altar

The interior of the church houses the main altar in Estremoz marble, with white, black, and pink tones. It is considered one of the most valuable in the Diocese of Beja. A local legend is associated with the transport of the marble stones for the altar.

Elements of Interest

In addition to the main altar, the church has a triumphal arch, two semi-circular arches, a marble baptismal font, and a monstrance, all from the 16th century. The molded cornice and vaults are also notable details.

History and Works

It is believed that a medieval temple previously existed on the site of the church. Work on the current church began in 1745 and was completed around 1770-1780. The church suffered damage due to earthquakes in 1858 and 1969. In 1993, it was classified as a Property of Public Interest.

Restorations and Redevelopment

The church underwent restoration work in 1993 and has also been the subject of more recent restoration work on the interior and exterior. The surrounding area has also been redeveloped as part of a municipal urban redevelopment program for Entradas.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_Matriz_de_Entradas

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