Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Beja > Ferreira do Alentejo > Figueira dos Cavaleiros
The Parish Church of São Sebastião is nestled in the village of Figueira dos Cavaleiros, a tranquil place in the municipality of Ferreira do Alentejo. Its position is central to the community's life, located where some of the village's main thoroughfares meet, such as Rua de Lisboa and Rua da Igreja, and Largo da Igreja, making it an easily identifiable landmark for anyone exploring the locality.
Dedicated to Saint Sebastian, this church stands out for its main facade, which features an entrance portal with a straight lintel, crowned by a broken triangular pediment, topped with a stucco cross. The facade culminates in a triangular gable, with its finishes painted in blue tones, ornamented with pinnacles on the acroteria, and surmounted by a small bell tower. Above the portal, a round oculus can be observed. One of the most distinct elements is the bell tower, attached to the facade, with a square base, which incorporates a clock and is covered by a pyramid-shaped roof.
Inside, the church features a single nave with a barrel vault ceiling, divided into four sections by diaphragm arches that give rhythm to the space. The chancel, with a quadrangular plan, is also covered by a barrel vault and is separated from the nave by a rounded arch. Among the elements of interest, a 16th-century baptismal font stands out, a testament to the temple's antiquity. It is also possible to observe altars dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary and Our Lady of Fátima, where images of particular interest are preserved, such as the representations of Saint Anne and Saint Michael the Archangel.
The history of São Sebastião Parish Church dates back to the 16th century, having been erected by the Order of Santiago de la Espada, which then held property in the Ferreira do Alentejo region. Over the centuries, the church underwent several interventions that altered its original appearance, including a significant restoration in the 17th century, which modified its exterior walls. A striking moment in its history was a fire in 1942, which caused extensive damage and resulted in the loss of the gilded altarpiece of the high altar, a piece then considered the most monumental in the entire municipality.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.0938903,-8.2071277
Coordinates DMS: 38°05'38.0"N 08°12'25.7"W
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