Church of Saint Peter of Pomares

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Beja > Baleizão > Monte São Luís

Location

Situated in the heart of Alentejo, the Church of São Pedro de Pomares is located in a rural and isolated landscape, on Monte São Luís, in the locality of Baleizão, municipality of Beja. Surrounded by extensive agricultural fields, punctuated by rare trees that break the vastness of the plain, this place provides an environment of great serenity and tranquility. To the south, the São Pedro stream flows, and the proximity of the old Monte São Luís, now used as a hayloft, lends an authentic touch to the Alentejo surroundings.

Brief History and Legend

The history of the Church of São Pedro de Pomares dates back to the 14th century, having initially been a branch of the main church of Beja and later becoming the seat of an independent rural parish. The temple is the setting for an old tradition, which tells the story of King D. Dinis' miraculous salvation from a bear attack in this very place, lending it a legendary and symbolic character. Throughout the centuries, the building underwent various interventions and remodelling, adapting to different eras and needs, even resisting the damage of the 1755 earthquake and being subject to subsequent restorations, such as that of 1936.

Architecture Through the Ages

The Church of São Pedro de Pomares exhibits an architecture that reflects the multiple eras of its construction and remodelling, blending elements from various styles. From a rural and austere base, with popular medieval characteristics, its main portal stands out. This features a chamfered ogival arch, revealing Gothic influences, while the horseshoe arches visible in the ensemble hint at Mudéjar taste, typical of some constructions from the reign of D. Dinis. The narthex, more archaic, appears with round arches resting on columns with capitals decorated with inverted masks. An important 16th-century remodelling transformed the chancel, giving it a Mannerist appearance, once enriched by a highly valuable carved altarpiece, now transferred to the main church of Baleizão for safekeeping.

An Interior Rich in Details

The interior of the church, though simple in its rural essence, holds artistic details that deserve close attention. The nave is covered by a barrel vault and the floor is made of square tiles, contributing to its atmosphere. The collateral chapels, with their 18th-century Rococo altarpieces, add a touch of vivacity, featuring intricate carvings, garlands, and carved and gilded elements on polychrome backgrounds. On the chancel floor, a sepulchral slab can be observed, enclosed by a marble slab displaying a coat of arms and an ancient inscription, testifying to the passage and legacy of figures from the past. The holy water font and the pulpit, with its stone basin and blue-painted wooden railing, are other elements that enrich the experience of those visiting this temple.

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