Church of Mercy

Category: Religious Architecture > Place of Worship

District: Beja > Alvito > Vila Nova da Baronia > Fontinha

Location

Located in the village of Vila Nova da Baronia, which is part of the municipality of Alvito, in the district of Beja, the Church of Mercy (Igreja da Misericórdia) is found in a central point of this picturesque Alentejo village. Its location facilitates the discovery of the monument during a stroll through the tranquil streets and squares of the locality, fitting organically into its urban and historical fabric.

Architecture and Style

The Church of Mercy presents a Mannerist architectural style, characterized by a notable sobriety in its facades. The absence of excessive decorative elements gives it a distinct elegance, with volumes culminating in pediments whose cornices unite at the extremities.

One of the most interesting aspects of the ensemble, which also includes the Chapel of Our Lady of the Candles (Capela de Nossa Senhora das Candeias), are its portals. Both the church's and the chapel's portals stand out for their pediments that display volutes, a striking decorative detail. The pediment of the Church of Mercy displays a shield with the Wounds of Christ, while the chapel's pediment houses a niche with an image of the Virgin and Child Jesus.

Interior and Sacred Art

Inside the church, one can appreciate a notable Mannerist cartouche and the careful decoration of the oculi. Its main altarpiece, adorned with rich gilded carving (talha dourada), represents a highlight of its ornamentation. The church's ceiling, painted in 1673 with grotesque motifs, adds a deep artistic layer to the space.

In the Chapel of Our Lady of the Candles, adjacent to the church, the highlight is its 18th-century tiles in blue and white tones that revest the nave, as well as the stuccoed vault. These elements, along with the paintings on the side walls of the chancel and the ornamentation of the choir, testify to the various artistic interventions that enriched the space throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

Memory and Historical Legacy

The history of the Church of Mercy is intrinsically linked to the Holy House of Mercy of Alvito (Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Alvito), formally established in 1520, but with activities initiated about a century earlier. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Candles, also known as the Chapel of the Holy Spirit (Capela do Espírito Santo), is the oldest element of the ensemble, presumably from the early 16th century, having originally served as part of a hospital and hospice for pilgrims. The church was built in the second half of the 16th century, reflecting the growth and needs of the institution.

Throughout the centuries, both buildings underwent continuous interventions and decorative enrichments, which shaped their current appearance. The recognition of their heritage value culminated in their classification as an Immovable of Public Interest (Imóvel de Interesse Público) in 1962, a status that underscores their historical and cultural relevance on the national scene.

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