Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Bragança > Alfândega da Fé > Alfândega da Fé > Centro
Located in the heart of Alfândega da Fé, the Church of Misericórdia stands in the oldest part of the village. The building occupies a spot in the area once defined by the medieval wall, now disappeared, and which was located near one of the old castle gates. Its elevated position, north of the street named after it, gives it a distinct presence in the urban landscape, in an area that, in the past, was known as the "rossio da Misericórdia".
The origin of the Church of Misericórdia possibly dates back to the 16th century, a date suggested by the remarkable limestone figure of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, sculpted in the niche of its frontispiece. Although the initial construction may be even older, with some sources pointing to the year 1498, it is known that by the early 18th century the church already belonged to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Alfândega da Fé, with records mentioning it since 1706. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the temple underwent various interventions and reforms that shaped its current appearance, including the addition of a mortuary chapel in the 1970s. In 1994, the building was recognized as a Municipal Asset (Valor Concelhio), highlighting its patrimonial importance.
The church presents a fusion of architectural styles, with Mannerist and Baroque elements predominating. Its longitudinal plan unfolds into a single nave that precedes a narrower chancel. The main facade, facing east, is crowned by a truncated gable, integrating a bell-gable with a perfect arch, adorned with pillars decorated with lozenges and pinnacles. In the center of the facade, above the straight-lintel portal, is the aforementioned niche housing the old image of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, a piece of particular interest. The construction is mostly in schist masonry, either exposed or plastered and painted white, which defines the visual character of the building.
Inside, the church walls, plastered and painted white, with a gray wainscot, create a sober and inviting atmosphere. The nave ceiling, made of curved-profile wood, stands out with its blue-painted coffers, which extend to the chancel. A wooden high choir, accessible by a staircase, and a pulpit with a red-painted balustrade, on the Gospel side, are notable elements. Two side altarpieces, in national Baroque style, enrich the nave: one in gilded carving, dedicated to Senhora das Dores, profusely decorated with acanthus and angels, and another polychrome. The main altarpiece, in polychrome carving, though later, completes the sacred art collection, displaying pilasters and twisted columns ornamented with phytomorphic motifs.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.3410747,-6.965741
Coordinates DMS: 41°20'27.9"N 06°57'56.7"W
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