Santa Maria de Alcáçova Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Coimbra > Montemor-o-Velho > Montemor-o-Velho > Alcáçova

Location

The Church of Santa Maria de Alcáçova is located in the Alcáçova area, in the historic town of Montemor-o-Velho. It is prominently situated within the castle walls, near the inner wall and facing south. This position grants it a unique perspective and a striking setting within the town's heritage.

Historical Roots

The original foundation of the Church of Santa Maria de Alcáçova dates back to 1090, having been ordered built by the presbyter Vermudo, under the command of Count D. Sesnando. However, there is a hypothesis that this temple was built on the foundations of an ancient mosque, whose existence on the site is suggested by archaeological fragments, such as capitals and column bases, dated between the 10th and 11th centuries and now preserved in the National Museum of Machado de Castro, in Coimbra. The church also houses a collection of epigraphs from its early centuries, covering the late 11th and 12th centuries.

The Manueline Renovation

The appearance the church presents today is the result of a significant rebuilding that occurred in the first quarter of the 16th century, which shaped it in the Manueline style. This significant work was commissioned by Bishop-Count D. Jorge de Almeida and is attributed to the architect Francisco Pires. His intervention endowed the building with a structural composition that, though simple, reveals great harmony and expressiveness characteristic of the period.

Architectural and Artistic Elements

Inside, the Church of Santa Maria de Alcáçova is organized into three naves, each composed of five bays, and is complemented by three apsidal chapels. The central nave stands out for its elevation. The chancel of the temple deserves special attention for its complexity and distinction, where open arches between the side chapels and the main chapel create the appearance of a transept, adding depth to the space.

Among the artworks that enrich its heritage, a 14th-century sculptural group by Master Pero stands out, representing the Virgin of O and the Angel of the Annunciation. Another point of interest is the altarpiece of the Blessed Sacrament, a 16th-century work attributed to João de Ruão. This altarpiece is composed of two registers illustrating a Last Supper and a tabernacle.

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