Church of Saint John of the Coppersmiths

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Mértola > São João dos Caldeireiros > Centro da Aldeia

Location

The Church of São João dos Caldeireiros stands in the center of the village that gave it its name, belonging to the municipality of Mértola, in the district of Beja. Situated in a more open area of the village, its access is preceded by elements that refer to local tradition and religiosity, such as a cruzeiro (stone cross) and an oratory. The temple is also contiguous to the village cemetery, contributing to its serene atmosphere.

From Origins to Name

This religious building, originally constructed in the 16th century as a hermitage, later evolved to become the local parish church. Its name, "São João dos Caldeireiros," refers to the figure of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of the parish, and to the ancient tradition of cauldron manufacturing that characterized the artisanal activity of the region. It is a testament to the long history and cultural roots of the community.

Architecture and Style

The church features religious architecture that combines Mannerist influences with popular construction characteristics. Its structure is longitudinal and stepped, with articulated volumes distinguished by the nave and the chancel, the latter being narrower. On the main facade, facing west, a simple masonry portal stands out, surmounted by a large window and a pediment with volutes. On the right side, attached to the facade, the square-based bell tower is prominent, crowned by a pyramidal roof and small pyramids at the corners. The south facade is marked by five sections, separated by robust buttresses that combine cylindrical sections at the base with square sections at the top, a detail that reflects its popularized Mannerist conception.

A Look Inside

Upon entering the church, visitors find a single-nave space, covered by a wooden ceiling organized into three registers. On the left side of the entrance, a perfect arch invites one to the baptistery, while in the center of the nave, a wooden pulpit is visible. The chancel, slightly narrower than the nave, is separated by a step and a wooden railing. Within it, two lateral masonry altars are arranged. In the apse, a perfect arch masonry altarpiece frames the throne, with vestiges of grotesque mural decoration. The baptistery still holds traces of tiles that once covered the holy oils cabinet, and the vault behind the main altar reveals signs of ancient mural painting, details that enrich the visit experience.

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