Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Bragança > Bragança > Bragança > Sé, Santa Maria e Meixedo
The Church of Misericórdia is situated within the urban area of Bragança, specifically in the zone encompassing the old Cathedral (Sé), Santa Maria, and Meixedo. Its location, on Rua Primeiro de Dezembro, positions it as part of the city's historic fabric, reflecting its ancient connection to the local community and assistance life.
The history of the Church of Misericórdia in Bragança dates back to the early 16th century. In 1518, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia was established at this site, incorporating an existing church, initially dedicated to Santa Maria Madalena and later to Espírito Santo. This foundation followed the charitable impulse initiated by Queen D. Leonor in Lisbon. Throughout the centuries, the building underwent various adaptations and reconstructions, especially in the 16th century and subsequent centuries, accompanying the growth of the Misericórdia itself and its assistance function, linked to an old annexed hospital. Its churchyard even served as a burial ground.
On the exterior, the church features a main facade with a distinctive profile, marked by its curved lines. It is topped by two ornate crosses. Two portals, with the same curved cornice, provide access to the interior of the temple and the side chapel, each surmounted by a circular, cut-out window. One of the most visible elements of the facade is the tile cladding, added in the second half of the 19th century, which contributes to its current appearance.
The interior of the church consists of a single nave, covered by a barrel vault. The walls are plastered and painted white, with an interesting detail of polychromatic tiles forming a kind of silhouette or frame. The central point of the nave is the main altarpiece, a remarkable piece of gilded carving, executed in the late 17th century. This altarpiece, which still shows traces of the Mannerist style, is organized into three levels and features twelve twisted columns, richly decorated with vine and grape motifs. The central figure is Our Lady of Misericórdia.
Annexed to the main nave is the chapel dedicated to Senhor dos Passos. This chapel dates from the late 18th century and, like the nave, has a barrel vault ceiling and white walls with tile borders. Its altarpiece is an example of the Rococo style, distinguished by its polychrome carving in shades of green, white, and gold. The altarpiece is organized into three axes, separated by Corinthian-style columns, and houses the image of Senhor dos Passos, a prominent piece.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.8060684,-6.7551243
Coordinates DMS: 41°48'21.8"N 06°45'18.4"W
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