Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Évora > Montemor-o-Novo > Represa > Nossa Senhora da Vila, Nossa Senhora do Bispo e Silveiras
Situated in the tranquility of the Alentejo, Herdade da Represa and its church are located in the village of Represa, in the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo. The complex is integrated into a vast rural landscape, punctuated by old farmhouses that make up the estate. Its presence stands out on the horizon due to the way the church's different volumes articulate, giving it a remarkable and harmonious scale that cuts across the Alentejo landscape.
The origins of Herdade da Represa date back, according to historical records, to the 13th century. In the early 16th century, the church of Nossa Senhora da Purificação da Represa was presumably built, reflecting the characteristic rural architecture of southern Portugal of that era. However, its current appearance is largely due to significant alterations that occurred in the 18th century, which added elements of the Baroque style. It is from this phase that the narthex, the central bell tower, and the alternation of volumes that define it today date.
The religious building has a single, rectangular nave, and a chancel with a slightly projecting transept. The exterior is reinforced by robust buttresses, and its main façade, facing west, is preceded by a small granite cross. A notable element on the south elevation is a curious figure in plaster bearing a cartouche with the cross of Saint James, surmounted by a cherub, a detail that illustrates the richness of the building's detail.
The interior of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Purificação da Represa holds a valuable artistic heritage for its visitors. The nave walls are covered with patterned tiles, predominantly blue and yellow, dating from the 17th century, creating a visually appealing environment. In the chancel, a Baroque carved altarpiece holds the image of the patron saint, sculpted in limestone, and the master arch leading to this space features the same tile pattern as the nave, framing an unusual panel depicting the Calvary.
However, one of the church's most unique features are its mural paintings, located in the lower choir. Dating from the 18th century, these paintings are of a profane nature, depicting daily life scenes, agricultural, and pastoral activities. The thematic choice is notably uncommon in religious contexts, making them a unique testimony to the life and customs of the time.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7085958,-8.10047
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'30.9"N 08°06'1.7"W
Weather Represa
On-duty Pharmacy Represa
