Hermitage of Saint Anthony of the Azores

Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage

District: Beja > Vidigueira > Vila de Frades > Horta de Carinos

Location

The Hermitage of Saint Anthony of the Azores is located in Horta de Carinos, an elevated area in the locality of Vila de Frades, within the municipality of Vidigueira. Its prominent position on a hill affords it an extensive view over the surrounding landscape. From its walled churchyard, it is possible to contemplate the villages of Vila de Frades and Vidigueira, and to extend one's gaze to other neighboring municipalities, revealing a vast and picturesque panorama.

Origins and Legends

The construction of this hermitage likely dates back to the early 17th century, a period of great religious fervor. The name "of the Azores" carries with it a pair of popular legends that intersect in the history of the place. One narrates that a Count of Vidigueira, after losing a goshawk, promised to erect a temple where the bird was found. The goshawk was reportedly sighted precisely on this hill, thus giving rise to the hermitage. Another version suggests that the same count, a renowned hunter, discovered goshawk nests on the elevation, motivating the designation of the site. Both narratives underscore the connection between the hermitage and the goshawk, a symbol of prestige.

Art and Architecture

With architectural features that fit into the Mannerist style, the hermitage presents a typical longitudinal plan, with a narthex, nave, and a narrower chancel, to which a sacristy is adjoined. Its interior, though modest in structure, preserves vestiges of rich artistic expression. Particularly noteworthy are the mural paintings, presumably from the original period of construction, which adorn the walls with large panels depicting episodes from the life of Saint Anthony, including his sermons. Although a gilded altarpiece commissioned in 1700 has not been preserved, the simplicity of the masonry altar with its niche invites contemplation.

Memory and Tradition

For centuries, the Hermitage of Saint Anthony of the Azores was the center of a vibrant popular tradition, marked by famous pilgrimages that brought the community together. These pilgrimages, still remembered by the oldest residents of the village, ceased over time, leading to a period of abandonment and degradation of the building. However, the spirit of preserving local heritage allowed the rural sanctuary to undergo a general restoration intervention in 1982, which included the conservation of its valuable mural paintings, restoring part of its splendor and ensuring its continuity as a historical and cultural testimony.

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