Buildings next to the Brotas Main Church or Sanctuary of Our Lady of Brotas

Category: Civil Architecture > Urban Ensemble

District: Évora > Mora > Brotas > Largo da Igreja

Location

The highlighted buildings are located in Largo da Igreja (Church Square), the heart of the peaceful village of Brotas. This place, situated in the municipality of Mora and the district of Évora, in Alentejo, offers a rural and traditional environment. The built complex develops harmoniously around the imposing Main Church, also known as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora das Brotas, forming a central square that invites contemplation and observation of Alentejo life. The surroundings are marked by the simplicity and beauty of the region's characteristic landscapes.

Architectural and Urban Characterization

This set of buildings represents a remarkable example of traditional Alentejo civil architecture, grouped around an important religious pole. The constructions, which vary in age but share a cohesive style, are characterized by their whitewashed facades, sober lines, and traditional tiled roofs. Many of these houses reflect their original function of supporting the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora das Brotas, formerly serving as residences, hospices for pilgrims, or auxiliary dependencies for the temple's life. The disposition of the buildings contributes to defining an intimate and welcoming urban space, typical of the historical towns and villages of the region.

Historical and Cultural Context

The presence of these buildings is intrinsically linked to the history and worship of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora das Brotas, a place of profound popular devotion in Alentejo. Over the centuries, the growth of the sanctuary as a pilgrimage destination spurred the development of the urban nucleus around it. The houses and dependencies observed today bear witness to the daily life of communities that served and lived by faith and the land, maintaining the authenticity of a built heritage that reflects the needs and customs of bygone times. The complex symbolizes the indissociable link between the sacred space and the civil space, where community life unfolded in harmony with its spiritual center.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_Matriz_de_Brotas

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