Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Beja > Serpa > Tojosas de Baixo > Vila Nova de São Bento e Vale de Vargo
The Church of São Bento is located on a gentle rise in the village of Tojosas de Baixo, part of the union of parishes of Vila Nova de São Bento and Vale de Vargo, in the municipality of Serpa. Its isolated position gives it prominence in the surrounding landscape, with a cobbled churchyard that invites observation of the building's exterior.
This church, as it stands today, dates back to the 18th century, with its main construction having been completed around 1720. However, the site is of even greater antiquity, as the building was erected on the foundations of a pre-existing Manueline church. Throughout the 18th century, and particularly in its second half, the temple received the interior decorations that today enrich its space, with additions and details that reflect the evolution of the styles of the time.
From an architectural standpoint, the Church of São Bento is an example of the transition between Baroque and Rococo in the region. Its exterior structure is marked by a solidity and starkness typical of military architecture, characteristics observed in its whitewashed masonry walls. The main facade, with its stone portal dated 1720, is topped by large windows and volutes, culminating in a gable with a Latin cross. The bell tower, attached to the right, complements the ensemble with its dome roof, lending a distinctive profile to the church in the landscape.
The interior of the church reveals a decorative richness that contrasts with the simplicity of its exterior. The nave and the chancel, both vaulted, are profusely adorned with polychrome relief stucco work, creating an environment of great opulence. The main altarpiece, in gilded and polychrome carving, is a focal point of beauty, with late Rococo influences, notably featuring its niche with a throne and baldachin, flanked by Corinthian columns. In various side chapels, oil paintings on canvas with carved frames can be found, representing scenes such as "The Baptism of Christ," "Saint Michael and the Souls," "Our Lady of the Rosary," "Martyrdom of Saint," "Saint Anthony," and "Pentecost." The pulpit, with its stone basin and wooden casing, displays vegetal decoration in stucco, highlighting the attention to detail in every corner of the temple.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.928651366369024, -7.426890139704663
Coordinates DMS: 37°55'43.1"N 07°25'36.8"W
On-duty Pharmacy Tojosas de Baixo
