Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage
District: Évora > Estremoz > Mártires
The Church of Nossa Senhora dos Mártires is located in the small village of Mártires, in the parish of Santa Maria, municipality of Estremoz. It is situated in a quiet area, slightly set back from the urban center, offering a calm and rural environment. The surroundings feature an open landscape, with views over fields and small elevations typical of the Alentejo. In the vicinity, there are Roman vestiges and structures associated with water supply, which reinforce the historical richness of the area.
The church's origin dates back, according to tradition and some chronicles, to the 14th century. Construction is believed to have begun on the initiative of D. Fernando I in 1371 and was completed by Constable D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, who was the lord of the town of Estremoz. Records indicate the existence of a confraternity dedicated to Nossa Senhora dos Mártires as early as 1379, which attests to the ancient devotion at the site.
Throughout the centuries, the hermitage was associated with a hospice and a hospital, assistance institutions integrated into the spirit of solidarity of the time. In 1579, the temple became part of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Estremoz, which still owns it today. In the 18th century, it was visited by King D. João V and Queen D. Maria Ana of Austria, who offered a valuable gold-embroidered dress to the image of Nossa Senhora.
The building presents a fusion of architectural styles, a testament to its various phases of construction and remodeling. The Gothic chancel is one of the most striking elements, distinguished by its sobriety and proportion. The Manueline arch supporting the choir loft is decorated with pendents, half-spheres, and intertwined marble columns, a detail typical of the Manueline period.
Inside, it is still possible to observe blue and white azulejo panels, depicting episodes from the life of the Virgin and Christ, dated from the early Rococo period. These elements were introduced during reforms carried out between the 17th and 18th centuries, promoted by figures connected to the administration of the Misericórdia, such as Fernão de Mesquita Pimentel, who is buried in the church.
The church was desecrated in 1912, losing several pieces of sacred art. Worship resumed in 1972, after a long period of interruption. During the 20th century, the building underwent several restoration interventions, notably in 1950. In 1959, the Baroque cruzeiro in the churchyard was re-erected, thus restoring part of the dignity of the original ensemble.
Since 1910, the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Mártires has been classified as a National Monument, reinforcing its patrimonial importance in the context of the region's religious and architectural history.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capela_de_Nossa_Senhora_dos_Mártires
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.83037220122029,-7.581461918870456
Coordinates DMS: 38°49'49.3"N 07°34'53.3"W
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