Hermitage of Lord Jesus of the Cross

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Viana do Alentejo > Viana do Alentejo > Horta das Caixinhas

Location

The Hermitage of Senhor Jesus do Cruzeiro is located in Horta das Caixinhas, an area situated in the rural zone of Viana do Alentejo. It stands on a plain landscape that stretches between Évora and the Serra de Viana, assuming an isolated and visible position on the Alentejo horizon.

History and Devotion

The hermitage is a testament to the profound popular devotion to the Crucifix that intensified in Portugal during the 17th and 18th centuries. Its construction was determined in 1742, at a site that already held religious significance, as an older cruzeiro (stone cross), known as "cruz do Senhor Jesus da Pedra" (cross of the Lord Jesus of the Stone), once stood there.

The land for the edifice was donated by Geraldo da Silva Rocha, and the work, financed by contributions from the faithful, was completed around 1755. The first religious celebration in the hermitage took place on September 26, 1756, marking the beginning of its function as a place of worship and pilgrimage.

Architectural Features

This hermitage is an example of Baroque architecture, characterized by its Greek cross plan, with slightly protruding arms, giving it a practically quadrangular shape. Its most notable element is the hemispherical dome that covers the central space, supported by squinches.

At the top of the dome, an octagonal lantern was designed to illuminate the interior, topped on the exterior by a small spire. The main façade features a central portal, flanked by two identical quadrangular windows. Above the portal, a trefoil-shaped window opens, and crowning the façade, a small pediment decorated with a scallop shell, surmounted by a cross with trilobate finials.

Current State and Relevance

Currently, the Hermitage of Senhor Jesus do Cruzeiro shows signs of time. Its interior, which once housed original elements such as the main altarpiece, is now stripped. However, some vestiges of ancient mural paintings that once adorned its walls are still visible.

Despite its state of conservation, the hermitage is a recognized valuable heritage. Due to its historical and architectural importance, it was classified as a National Monument in 2012, attesting to its cultural relevance in the Alentejo context.

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