Main Church of Saint John the Baptist

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Moura > Moura > Quinta de Santa Justa

Location

The Mother Church of Saint John the Baptist is located in the city of Moura, in the heart of Alentejo. It is situated in the urban area known as Quinta de Santa Justa, in a square that retains the city's historical character, with streets that evoke its medieval atmosphere.

Heritage and History

This imposing temple was erected in the 16th century, by order of King Manuel I, with the architect Cristóvão de Almeida responsible for its design. The construction of the new church became essential to accommodate the growing faithful population of the town, as the old church located in Moura Castle no longer had sufficient space. The site where the current Mother Church stands has even older roots, having previously housed a smaller temple, which is thought to have replaced a mosque. Since 1932, the Mother Church of Saint John the Baptist has been classified as a National Monument, a testament to its historical and artistic relevance.

Architecture and Exterior Details

The church's architecture is one of the finest examples of the Manueline style in the Lower Alentejo region. It stands out for its "hall church" configuration, where the three interior naves have similar heights, creating a spacious and unified area. On the exterior, the main facade is marked by an ornamented portal, with arches displaying intricate vegetal motifs, armillary spheres, and the crosses of the Order of Christ, symbols of the era. One of the most unique details is its open-air altar, integrated into a belfry window, which functioned as an exterior pulpit for celebrations.

Treasures in the Interior

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a space with three naves, separated by octagonal pillars that reveal influences of Catalan Gothic. In the main nave, a remarkable marble pulpit stands out. The main chapel is adorned with Sevillian tiles in shades of blue, and in the side chapels, one can admire polychrome tile panels from the 17th century, depicting allegories of the Virtues. The baptistery, in turn, displays Hispano-Arabic patterned tiles. The church's ceiling, which collapsed following the 1755 earthquake, was meticulously reconstructed, allowing for the preservation of the original design and the grandeur of this religious monument.

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