Church of Our Lady of the Lagoon

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Reguengos de Monsaraz > Monsaraz

Location

Situated in the heart of the medieval village of Monsaraz, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa dominates its main square, Praça D. Nuno Álvares Pereira.

Its presence is central to the experience of those who walk the whitewashed streets of the walled village, serving as an easily identifiable landmark.

Roots of the Community

The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa dates back to the 13th century, to the time of King D. Dinis, when a Gothic temple existed on the site.

However, an outbreak of the Black Death in the Middle Ages had a devastating impact. The original church, of reduced dimensions, became insufficient to accommodate the necessary burials. It was then decided to build a new mother church, which is the building we see today, constructed in the 16th century, around 1561.

Architectural Style and Composition

The current building dates from the 16th century and features characteristics of the Renaissance style, with a "hall church" type structure.

Its interior is composed of three naves, supported by four robust Tuscan order columns. On the exterior, the main facade stands out for its pediment decorated with an azulejo panel and topped by the Cross of the Order of Christ.

Treasures Within

Upon entering, one finds a space that, despite a certain general sobriety, possesses elements of great interest. The interior decoration reveals touches from the 17th and 18th centuries, distributed among eight side chapels.

The main altar, crafted in gilded carving, houses two notable wooden sculptures representing Saint Augustine and Saint Monica.

One of the most important elements is the tomb of Gomes Martins Silvestre, a crucial figure in the history of Monsaraz as its first alcaide (governor) and settler. This tomb, sculpted in Estremoz marble, displays a detailed funeral procession on its main face and, at one end, a representation that evokes his connection as a Knight Templar.

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