Chapel of Saint Sebastian Brotas

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Mora > Brotas > Sítio da Ermida

Location

The Hermitage of Saint Sebastian is located in Sítio da Ermida, a distinctly rural place, near the village of Brotas, in the municipality of Mora. Erected on top of a slope, it offers a serene perspective over the surrounding landscape, with a gentle incline towards the Divor River which flows nearby.

This natural environment is dominated by the characteristic cork oak and holm oak woodlands, which paint the landscape with shades of green and brown. For those who appreciate wildlife, there is the possibility of observing wild boars, which habitually frequent this area. Access is via an old rural road, providing a tranquil and immersive arrival into the heart of the Alentejo.

A Legacy Through Time

The history of the Hermitage of Saint Sebastian dates back to ancient times, with its roots in a primitive temple dedicated to Saint Peter, which was located on the same site. In the 17th century, the original building was in ruins and was then rebuilt, becoming invoked to Saint Sebastian. The Counts of Atalaia began the works, but these were suspended due to lack of resources and support.

Works were resumed in 1696, this time with a more modest project, but with the financial support of the Archbishop of Évora, Frei Luís da Silva Teles. Later, around 1730, the main altar received a polychrome wooden image of the patron saint, replacing a previous panel. Already in the mid-20th century, in 1950 and again in 1959, renovation interventions were carried out inside, which was neglected.

Architecture and Peculiarities

Architecturally, the Hermitage of Saint Sebastian stands out for its composition. It features a rectangular nave which uniquely articulates with a circular chancel, to which a sacristy is attached on the left. The circular body of the chancel is, probably, the vestige of the original temple, fitting into a regional typology of centralized hermitages and chapels.

This circular shape suggests a possible connection to ancient domed constructions, perhaps dating back to models of Muslim "cubas," which would later be complemented by porches or narthexes. Inside, the nave is covered by a barrel vault, while the chancel is topped by a dome, both common solutions in Alentejo religious architecture. The main facade, buttressed, is crowned by a simply designed bell-gable, with undulating decorative details on its sides, and a granite portal with a straight lintel.

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