Church of Our Lady of Grace of Padrões

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Almodôvar > Graça dos Padrões > Zona de Padrões

Location

The Church of Our Lady of Grace of Padrõe stands in the serene village of Graça dos Padrões, an area located within the municipality of Almodôvar. It is situated in an urban environment, yet with a prominent presence, standing out in its surrounding partially walled churchyard. Its position grants it natural visibility, inviting exploration of this Alentejan corner.

Memory and Time

This religious building has its roots in the first half of the 16th century. Over the centuries, it has witnessed various interventions and adaptations that shaped its current configuration. The years 1623 and 1877, visibly inscribed above the main portal, mark periods of significant works or renovations that contributed to its history and preservation. More recently, in 2017, the church benefited from a refurbishment, ensuring its conservation for future generations.

Forms and Colors

The Church of Our Lady of Grace of Padrõe is an interesting example of Manueline architecture, albeit with a strong popular and vernacular identity, characteristic of the Baixo Alentejo region. Its main facade, with sober lines, is pierced by a straight lintel ashlar portal, above which the distinct Cross of Santiago and a small round oculus can be seen.

On the exterior, the bell tower deserves particular attention, with its typical 16th-century configuration and an octagonal pyramidal spire, flanked by pinnacles. Inside, the space unfolds into a single nave, divided by ogival diaphragm arches. In the main chapel, an 18th-century altar complements the ensemble, but it is the mural paintings on the vault that most captivate the eye. These works, probably from the late Pombaline period, reveal a notable palatial influence, depicting in the central medallion the "Coronation of the Virgin by the Holy Trinity" and, on the sides, the "Four Theological Virtues". The baptistery, with its square plan and dome ceiling, adds another element of interest to this church.

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