Hermitage of Saint Anne

Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage

District: Beja > Mértola > Santana de Cima

Location:

Nestled in the locality of Santana de Cima, in the municipality of Mértola, the Hermitage of Santa Ana stands out for its serene and typically rural location. It rises on a walled and slightly elevated churchyard, accessed by a few steps. The exterior space, paved with flagstones, offers a tranquil environment conducive to contemplating the Alentejo landscape.

Next to the hermitage, one can observe the volume of the old pilgrims' house. This structure refers to the importance the place held as a point of welcome and rest for pilgrims who, over the centuries, traveled here in devotion.

Architecture and Exterior Characterization:

Built in the mid-18th century, the Hermitage of Santa Ana is an interesting example of religious architecture that combines Baroque forms with a more popular and vernacular interpretation, characteristic of the region. Its main facade, facing south, is marked by a single plane defined by pilasters, culminating in a triangular gable enveloped in a composition of robust volutes.

At the top of the facade, a bell tower stands out, featuring an oculus with a perfect round arch and a finish also decorated with volutes. On the lateral acroteria, small urns add an ornamental touch. The portal, with its projecting stone lintel, is surmounted by a window whose mortar frame includes a small calvary. It is noted that the plinth, pilasters, and various exterior decorative elements are highlighted with a subtle blue tone.

Interior Richness:

The interior of the hermitage consists of a single nave and a narrower chancel. The nave is covered by a barrel vault that springs from a cornice, decorated with mural paintings. On the right side upon entering, there is a holy water font made of stonework.

One of the most notable elements is the panels of blue and white monochromatic tiles that cover the walls. These figurative panels depict scenes from the Life of the Virgin and Marian allegories, their origin likely being Lisbon, given the similarity of the borders with tiles from other notable buildings. Access to the chancel is through a perfect round arch resting on pilasters, richly decorated with painted stuccoes. In the chancel, the altar and the gilded and polychrome carved altarpiece are a testament to late Baroque, with features already pointing towards Rococo, which also manifests in the stuccoes covering the barrel vault. It should also be noted that on the altar step, a stonework element was reused that may date from the Roman or Paleo-Christian period, adding an extra layer of history to the site.

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