Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage
District: Beja > Serpa > Serpa > Quinta de São Brás
The Hermitage of São Brás is situated on a serene, gentle hill, a few kilometres from the town of Serpa, in Alentejo. Its somewhat isolated position, integrated into the Quinta de São Brás urbanization, offers a tranquil perspective over the surrounding landscape. This typical Alentejo rural setting provides an atmosphere of quietude and contemplation for those who visit the site.
The area where the hermitage is located is valued for its natural context, being part of the Natura 2000 Network Sectoral Plan, in the Guadiana Site of Community Importance. Various natural habitats can be observed here, such as cork oak woodlands and Mediterranean scrublands, distinctive elements of Alentejo flora and landscape.
The Hermitage of São Brás began construction in the second half of the 16th century, establishing itself from its origin as a place of worship and devotion. Over the centuries, the temple was enriched and modified, reflecting different eras and styles. In the 18th century, the bell tower was added, which still stands out in its silhouette today.
In the 19th century, the interior received an altarpiece, enriching the space of the main chapel. More recently, in the 20th century, the railing was placed in the narthex, contributing to the building's current appearance. This chronological evolution gives the hermitage a rich temporal narrative, visible in every detail of its structure.
This small religious temple is a notable example of popular and vernacular Mannerist architecture of the region. It is characterized by a striking geometric austerity, which gives it a solid and balanced appearance. Its architectural elements refer to the Mannerist tradition, visible, for example, in the conception of its buttresses.
The buttresses, which stand out on the side walls, are crowned by pyramidal pinnacles resting on cylindrical bases, a detail that emphasizes its stylistic affiliation. The simplicity of its forms and the functionality of the construction harmonize with the rural landscape that embraces it, making it a discreet but significant landmark in the territory of Serpa.
The hermitage features an elongated plan, composed of an entrance narthex, a main nave, and a chancel. Annexed volumes, such as the sacristy to the right and the baptistery and two side chapels to the left, form a cohesive ensemble. Each of these elements has distinct coverings, with domes over the narthex, sacristy, and baptistery, and gabled or single-slope roofs, covered with tiles, over the nave and side chapels.
The main facade, facing west, is marked by a perfect arch, supported by columns and framed within a rectangular molding. Access is provided by three steps, and the arch is protected by a cast-iron railing. Behind the narthex dome, a small bell tower with a single arched opening punctuates the composition, topped by a cornice and decorative volutes.
Upon entering the hermitage, we encounter a single nave, divided into three parts by diaphragm arches supported by corbels. The ceiling, a barrel vault, emerges from a cornice that runs along the upper part of the walls. An opening above the main door allows the bell rope to pass through, a functional and traditional detail.
Inside, elements such as the carved stone holy water font, adorned with scallop shells, and the pulpit with its wooden box and stone basin stand out. The side chapels, one on each side of the nave, and the baptistery, with its circular baptismal font, enrich the space. The chancel, accessible through a triumphal arch and two steps, houses a gilded and polychrome carved altarpiece with small niches, an element of great artistic and devotional value.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.90373814121094, -7.614977224567754
Coordinates DMS: 37°54'13.5"N 07°36'53.9"W
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