Church of Our Lady of the Conception

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Alandroal > Alandroal > Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Location

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição is situated in the town of Alandroal, in the heart of Alentejo. It rises uniquely within the walls of Alandroal Castle, even adjoined to the imposing Keep. This privileged position places it within a cohesive historical and urban setting, allowing visitors to experience the fusion of religious architecture with the military defense of bygone eras, in the center of the village.

Historical Roots

The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição dates back to ancient times, with the first documentary references to the primitive Gothic church appearing as early as 1320. At that time, the temple was part of the chaplaincy of Juromenha and, later, in 1359, it was integrated into the commandery of the Order of Avis, demonstrating its early importance. The building seen today was erected in the 16th century, replacing the original Gothic structure, and its consecration to the Immaculate Conception was consolidated in the 17th century. Throughout the following centuries, the 18th and 19th, the church benefited from various works that gave it its current form, reflecting architectural and artistic evolution.

Architectural and Artistic Features

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição is a notable example of the superposition of styles over the centuries, featuring Manueline, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements. The main facade, facing north, reveals a stone portal and a blue and white tile panel with the image of Nossa Senhora, topped by a large window. The tower, with a square base and crowned by pyramidal pinnacles and a bulbous dome, houses three bells. Inside, the church stands out for its single nave, with a rib vault that gives amplitude to the space. The choir, supported by four monolithic marble columns, and the circular baptismal font are noteworthy. Four lateral altars enrich the nave, dedicated to the Sacred Heart, Nossa Senhora do Rosário (with floral frescoes), All Souls (with a canvas of Saint Michael), and Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo. Emphasis is placed on the chancel, which has a quadrangular plan and is covered by a cupola vault. Its two-story main altarpiece in gilded woodcarving displays images of Nossa Senhora das Dores and Nossa Senhora do Carmo, in addition to panels representing the Doctors of the Church, Saint Jerome and Saint Augustine, with angels sculpted on the stepped throne.

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