Church of the Old Convent of Saint Francis and attached cemetery.

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Arraiolos > Arraiolos

Location and History

Located on the Outeiro de São Romão, the convent was founded in 1612, significantly contributing to the development of Arraiolos in the 17th century. Initially planned by the Duke of Braganza and the Archbishop of Évora, construction began shortly after the licenses were granted.

Development and Structure

The construction of the convent took place in several phases throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, including improvements in 1697, 1718, and 1721, although many structures have been lost over time. The church, dating from 1633, is the main architectural remnant.

Decline and Transformation

After the Earthquake of 1755, there were attempts at expansion that were not completed, resulting in the occupation of the facilities by the municipal cemetery in the 19th century. With the extinction of Religious Orders in 1834, the convent was abandoned and later acquired by the municipal council.

Architecture and Design

The church is notable for its simple Franciscan architecture, with a rectangular nave, a square main chapel, and a facade adorned with pilasters and pinnacles. The interior features a gilded altarpiece from the late 17th century and frescoes depicting scenes from the Old Testament.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficheiro:Igreja_do_Convento_de_São_Francisco_-_em_Arraiolos_04.jpg

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