Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Évora > Estremoz > Ameixial > Santa Vitória e São Bento
The Church of São Bento do Ameixial stands in the locality of Ameixial, integrated into the area of Santa Vitória e São Bento, in the municipality of Estremoz. Its presence marks the centre of the village, in a wide square that reflects the calm and characteristic atmosphere of Alentejo's rural settlements. Its position offers a central point of reference for those exploring the area.
The history of the Church of São Bento do Ameixial intertwines with the antiquity of the settlement that hosts it. As early as 1258, the place, then known as Aldeia do Penedo, was mentioned in the first charter of Estremoz. The parish church we observe today would have had its origins at the beginning of the 16th century, assuming the particularity of being a commandery of the Order of Avis. Historical documents confirm that the temple already received ecclesiastical visits in 1534, attesting to its early relevance in religious and community life.
Although its foundation dates back to the 16th century, the Church of São Bento do Ameixial currently presents a physiognomy that aligns more with the typical rural constructions of the Alentejo from the 17th or 18th centuries. However, some notable elements distinguish it, such as the cylindrical corner towers of the chancel, which betray a Manueline architectural influence and period. At the main entrance, attention is drawn to two side crosses, created with polychrome tiles, representative of 17th-century art. Inside, of particular artistic interest, is the sacristy's lavabo, sculpted in marble, with scrolling volute details, and dated 1698, revealing the quality and era of the pieces that enrich the space.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.8450905,-7.650694
Coordinates DMS: 38°50'42.3"N 07°39'2.5"W
Weather Ameixial
On-duty Pharmacy Ameixial
