Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Évora > Alandroal > Alandroal > Alandroal (Nossa Senhora da Conceição), São Brás dos Matos (Mina do Bugalho) e Juromenha (Nossa Senhora do Loreto)
The Church of São Bento stands on the outskirts of the village of Alandroal, atop a hill, offering a wide and dominant view over the landscape. This privileged location, integrated into a vast pilgrimage courtyard that includes a large calvary, allows one to see the Guadiana river line and, on days of good visibility, even Spanish territory. Its elevated position gives it an imposing character and a unique scenic setting in the region.
The history of the Church of São Bento is linked to an ancient legend from the year 1580. It is said that, during a period of plague, an old hermit would go to this hill for his prayers. From there, he could see the hermitage of São Bento da Contenda, in the lands of Olivenza. It is believed that the prayers of this hermit were crucial for the population of Alandroal to escape the disease. This event led the inhabitants to respect the site and transform it into an important center of worship, with the support of prominent figures of the time, such as the Duchess of Bragança, widow of D. Teodósio I. The construction of the temple is believed to have begun around 1600, quickly becoming one of the most devout places in the village and surroundings.
This temple of religious architecture, with Mannerist features from the 17th and 18th centuries, presents a longitudinal plan. It is composed of a generous porch, which serves as a narthex, followed by the main nave, the chancel, and a sacristy attached to the left side. The main facade, oriented to the west, stands out for its triangular pediment and the opening of a quatrefoil oculus that illuminates the interior, located above the portal. At the top of the nave's pediment, a bell tower displays a bronze bell. Its volumes are harmoniously articulated, culminating in roof coverings over barrel vaults.
Upon entering the Church of São Bento, the visitor is surprised by the profusion of artistic elements that adorn its spaces. The nave is almost entirely covered by popular mural paintings, remarkably well preserved. These paintings reveal floral ornaments, cherubs, frames with penitent saints, and the image of São Bento, as well as medallions representing the sun and the moon. In the center, the scene of the Coronation of the Virgin by the Holy Trinity stands out. The cornices and altars display naturalistic themes, while in the arch preceding the chancel, figures of Saint Francis Xavier and a Holy Bishop are observed. On the Gospel side, a white marble pulpit marks the entrance. The large chancel features a barrel vault decorated with colorful stuccoes and a main altarpiece in white and black marble. The sacristy, in turn, is also fully adorned with frescoes, including a ceiling composition depicting São Bento surrounded by acolytes. On the walls, figures of mermaids and atlantes appear, amidst foliage intertwining sacred and profane motifs. The wainscoting imitates monochrome tiles, illustrating scenes of ladies, knights, hunting, fishing, landscapes, and architectures, demonstrating a fusion of elements that enrich the visitor's experience.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7057926,-7.3973027
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'20.9"N 07°23'50.3"W
Weather Alandroal
On-duty Pharmacy Alandroal
