Mercy Church of Proença-a-Velha

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Castelo Branco > Idanha-a-Nova > Proença-a-Velha

Location

- Located in Proença-a-Velha, in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, Portugal.

- Owned by the Brotherhood of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia of Proença-a-Velha.

- Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1997.

History

- Possibly built in the 15th or 16th centuries, replacing an earlier structure.

- The Brotherhood of Mercy of Proença-a-Velha was established in 1500, indicating the presence of a previous welfare structure.

- In 1671, the side chapel was built by Domingos Gonçalves Robalo, known as the "Chapel of the Counts."

External Features

- Main facade with a round-arched portal and circular oculus.

- Niche of the "1st Step of the Litanies" to the right of the main door.

- "Pilate's Balcony" overlooking the square, used in religious ceremonies.

- Side door with a niche and the inscription "MISIRICORDIA."

- Cannon gargoyle in stone on the east facade.

Internal Features

- Tomb chapel of the Counts of Proença-a-Velha with the coat of arms.

- Stone pulpit with vegetal motifs.

- Window to the left of the side chapel for participation in religious acts.

- Tuscan columns decorated with oak leaves supporting the high choir.

- Altarpiece of the main altar in gilded carving with paintings representing the life of Our Lady and the Child Jesus.

Wooden niches with images used in Holy Week ceremonies: Lord of the Steps and Our Lady of Sorrows or Tears.

Annex Building

- Hospital of Mercy, whose date of deactivation is unknown.

- In the 20th century, part of the building served as the sacristan's house, sacristy, room of the 12, primary school, and medical post.

- At the end of the 20th century, it underwent conservation work and was divided into different spaces, including the Funeral Home, administrative facilities, archive and exhibition rooms.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_da_Miseric%C3%B3rdia_de_Proen%C3%A7a-a-Velha

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