Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Beja > Castro Verde > Casével > Largo da Praça
The Parish Church of Casével, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, is located in the village of Casével, in the municipality of Castro Verde. It is situated in a central area of the settlement, near Largo da Praça and Largo de São Fabião. It stands out in the urban fabric, appearing isolated in a space that includes a landscaped area, which gives it a notable presence and a tranquil setting for visitors.
This religious building has ancient roots dating back to the 14th century, when a primitive church would have existed on the site. Over the centuries, the temple underwent several significant transformations. It was rebuilt in the 16th century, and its main façade, which we see today, was remodeled in the 18th century. In the mid-20th century, the interior underwent interventions, and the current bell tower was built between 1954 and 1955.
This historical journey, marked by different constructive periods, reflects the church's continuous importance to the community of Casével and the changes in architectural styles over time.
The church features architecture that combines Mannerist, Baroque, and popular influences. It stands out for its single-nave structure with side chapels. The roof is gabled, a typical solution that integrates into the Alentejo landscape. The main façade, facing east, displays elements from the Baroque period, visible in the design of the portal and the large window above it.
The bell tower, with a square plan, adds a vertical element to the building's composition. It has two floors and is topped by a dome, with an iron cross at the apex and urns at the corners. The side elevations reveal the internal organization, with doors and windows that break the whitewashed mass of the walls, built of stone and lime masonry.
Upon entering the church, one finds a single-nave space. The ceiling is lined with wood paneling, contributing to the interior ambiance. On the side walls, there are chapels, defined by simple arches, with masonry altars. A pulpit with a wooden box can be observed, and next to one of the walls, the baptismal font in stonework, used for baptism.
The triumphal arch, which separates the nave from the chancel, has a perfect arch design. The chancel, narrower than the nave, has a main altar in stonework. The simplicity of the materials and the organization of the interior space invite tranquility and the observation of the architectural and artistic details present.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.7574102,-8.1824181
Coordinates DMS: 37°45'26.7"N 08°10'56.7"W
Weather Casével
On-duty Pharmacy Casével
