Church of the Most Holy Savior

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Aljustrel > Aljustrel > Aljustrel e Rio de Moinhos

Location

The Church of the Most Holy Saviour is located in the heart of the village of Aljustrel, in a prominent position on a hillside. It occupies a platform that forms the churchyard, offering its own surrounding space. The main access is via a staircase, which gives it a remarkable presence in the centre of the locality.

Origins and Historical Trajectory

The history of this site is ancient, with vestiges from the Islamic period discovered nearby, suggesting a previous occupation. The primitive church was likely erected in the early 15th century, linked to the Order of Santiago. Ancient documents, such as visitations from the 15th and 16th centuries, describe the original sanctuary, mentioning altars with tiles and paintings. The building we see today results from constructions and modifications throughout the centuries, with its main form defined in the first half of the 18th century, with subsequent additions in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Architecture and Scale

This temple is distinguished by its scale, being considered one of the largest of its type in Portugal, with walls reaching over two meters in thickness. The church features a longitudinal plan, composed of a single nave and a rectangular chancel, flanked by side chapels and other dependencies. On the main façade, facing east, elements of the Mannerist and Baroque styles are visible, with pilasters and a triangular pediment. The portal and the upper window are framed by stonework and highlighted by the colour blue. On the south side, the bell tower has four openings for bells and is topped by a dome.

The Interior and Its Art

Inside, the single nave stands out for its wide, plain vault, which rests directly on the side walls and is possibly the largest in the region with this characteristic. Several chapels are found, including one dedicated to Saint Barbara, patron saint of miners, which reflects Aljustrel's mining heritage. One of the greatest points of artistic interest is the 17th-century panel of polychrome tiles, located on the frontal of the high altar, which represents the Divine Saviour of the World and is considered a piece of great value, attributed to Gabriel del Barco. There are also other notable tiles, including some with floral designs described as rare in Alentejo. The wooden high choir, the square pulpit, the holy water font, and an 18th-century lavabo in the sacristy complement the temple's interior richness.

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