Queen Saint Isabel

Category: Civil Architecture > Statue

District: Évora > Estremoz > Estremoz > Santo André

Location:

The Chapel of Queen Saint Isabel is located in the city of Estremoz, an Alentejo town rich in history and tradition. Situated in the Santo André area, its position is intimately linked to the city's urban profile, being just a few steps from the imposing castle. This setting lends it a particular atmosphere, integrated into an environment that breathes the glorious past of Estremoz.

A Royal and Faithful Legacy:

This remarkable place of worship has its roots in the mid-17th century. Its original construction, in 1659, was due to the initiative of D. Luísa de Gusmão, a historical figure and widow of D. João IV. It was a gesture of gratitude for the Portuguese victory in the Battle of the Lines of Elvas, a turning point in the country's history. Later, in 1680, during the reign of D. Pedro II, the temple underwent significant improvements, which enhanced its beauty and meaning.

Curiously, the chapel withstood a major incident in 1698, when an explosion in the Estremoz castle's gunpowder magazine caused significant damage to the surrounding area. Despite the proximity of the event, the chapel's structure suffered little damage, a fact that, at the time, was interpreted as yet another miracle attributed to Queen Saint Isabel.

Art Narrating History:

Upon entering this space, visitors are met with an artistic ensemble of great value, where the tile panels and oil paintings stand out, both characteristic of the Joanine period. The tiles, which cover part of the interior, are attributed to Teotónio dos Santos and date from the mid-1720s. These ceramic compositions, as well as the oil paintings, authored by André Gonçalves and created in the 1730s, transport us to the life and legendary imagery of Queen Saint Isabel.

The artistic representations illustrate her various deeds and the famous miracles associated with her, in particular the well-known "miracle of the roses," which became a symbol of her generosity and devotion to the most disadvantaged. It is these visual narratives that underpin her canonization, which occurred in 1625 by Pope Urban VIII, making the chapel a point of contemplation on the figure of Queen Saint Isabel.

A Symbol of Devotion and Protection:

Beyond its beauty and history, the site holds strong symbolic value. Inside, an exuberant choir, built in white marble, displays a Latin inscription, dated 1808. This engraving expresses the profound gratitude of the people of Estremoz to Queen Saint Isabel, for believing that she protected the city from pillaging and devastation during the French Invasions.

Thus, the Chapel of Queen Saint Isabel transcends its religious function, presenting itself as a testament to popular faith and the lasting connection between the figure of the Queen and the community of Estremoz, which sees her as a symbol of protection and benevolence throughout the centuries.

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