Chapel of Our Lady of the Thorn Bush or Tomb Chapel of Garcia de Resende

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Évora > Évora > Canaviais

Location

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Espinheiro is situated in the locality of Canaviais, within the municipality of Évora, in the heart of the Alentejo region. This setting provides it with a serene and typically Alentejan atmosphere, characterized by vast plains and a sense of tranquility, away from the bustle of Évora's urban center.

Its presence in Canaviais places it in a transitional context between rural and peri-urban, offering a perspective on the religious and historical heritage that extends beyond the city walls, amidst a backdrop of open landscapes characteristic of the region.

Historical Context and the Legacy of Garcia de Resende

This chapel is intrinsically linked to the figure of Garcia de Resende (1470-1536), one of the most prominent intellectuals of the Portuguese Renaissance. Garcia de Resende was a courtier, poet, and chronicler of great importance in the courts of King John II and King Manuel I, and his masterpiece, the Cancioneiro Geral, is one of the most important poetic compilations of the era, reflecting the life and culture of 16th-century Portugal.

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Espinheiro serves as his final resting place, housing the tomb of this notable figure in our history. His presence gives the site a profound historical and cultural resonance, turning the chapel into a place of memory and tribute to one of the pillars of Portuguese literature and thought from the Age of Discovery.

Architectural Features and the Tomb

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Espinheiro reflects the aesthetic currents of the Renaissance period in Portugal. Although modest in size, its design and constituent elements align with the architectural language of the time, seeking harmony and proportion in its lines.

The main focus inside the chapel is the tomb of Garcia de Resende, a piece of paramount significance that sets it apart. This funerary monument is the element that attracts the most interest, serving as the focal point of the experience and highlighting the historical importance of the space. The simplicity and elegance of the construction complement the significance of its contents, inviting contemplation of the memory of one of the great figures of Portuguese culture.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_do_Espinheiro_(Évora)

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