Old Church of Santa Justa

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra

Location

The Old Church of Santa Justa stands in Coimbra, positioned on the western slope of Conchada. It is located at the northern top of the historic Rua da Sofia, in an area of the city that has seen the birth of several religious buildings since the 16th century. The church is accessed via a small paved courtyard and an imposing two-flight staircase, flanked by an iron railing and a small garden. This entire area, including the staircase and courtyard, is recognized for its heritage value.

In the vicinity, the Ladeira de Santa Justa unfolds in ramps, with a stone cross at the top and some devotional niches decorated with monochrome tiles at the base, elements that enrich the surrounding historical-religious atmosphere.

A Resilient Past

The history of the Church of Santa Justa dates back to the 12th century, with an original church that existed on the banks of the Mondego River. However, the frequent and severe floods of the river made it unsustainable. In 1708, the old church was abandoned due to the damage caused by the floods, necessitating the construction of a new temple.

The foundation stone of the current church was laid in 1710, and its inauguration took place in 1724. This 18th-century building is a testament to the persistence and devotion of the community, which rebuilt its place of worship in a new and safer location, away from the force of the Mondego waters.

Architecture and Monumentality

The main facade of the Old Church of Santa Justa presents a Mannerist style, characterized by its rectilinear dominance, and is flanked by two bell towers that give it notable monumentality. A distinctive element is the stone altarpiece structure, integrated into the facade, which is believed to be from the 16th century and to have come from the original church. This piece, with its niches and aedicules, is a beautiful example of "Coimbra Renaissance."

Exploring the building, one notices the remarkable thickness of its walls, which internally house corridors and staircases, facilitating access to the various spaces and revealing the robustness of its construction. The combination of plastered stone and dressed stone gives it a sober and imposing aesthetic.

The Splendor of Gilded Woodwork

The interior of the church is an invitation to contemplation, revealing the artistic richness of the centuries that shaped it. The nave, with a polygonal plan and covered by barrel vaults, is punctuated by six side altarpieces, which illustrate the evolution of decorative styles. The first four stand out for their polychrome and gilded woodwork, with faux marble finishes and Rococo inspiration, displaying columns decorated with floral garlands.

The last two side altarpieces and, in particular, the imposing High Altarpiece, are examples of Joanine woodwork, characterized by its exuberance and ornamental profusion. In the High Altarpiece, twisted columns adorned with acanthus leaves, putti, and birds create a grandiose composition, culminating in a royal crown on the intrados of the tribune arch, which hangs over a canopy with the Crucified Christ.

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