Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Évora > Estremoz > Évora Monte > Bairro Mourique
Situated in the heart of the medieval burgh of Évoramonte, the Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of the Conception) rises on a small rocky elevation. Its location is particularly unique, nestled within the ancient walls, right next to the Porta do Freixo (Ash Gate). This privileged position offers an encompassing perspective over the historic urban fabric of the locality, integrating into the protection area of Évoramonte Castle.
The origins of this parish church date back to the 13th or 14th centuries, with the first known documentation dating from 1359. However, the building seen today owes much of its layout and appearance to a significant remodelling that took place in the 16th century. This period gave it a strong Renaissance mark, with elements that harmonise with the rural and traditional character of religious constructions in southern Portugal, making it an important testimony to the architectural evolution of the region.
The church's main façade is immediately recognisable by its prominent porch, a striking feature of Alentejo architecture. This element, with its vaulted ceiling supported by three perfect round arches, invites visitors to a serene transition before entering the temple. The solidity of the building is evidenced by the thick granite buttresses, which feature a frieze and gargoyles for water drainage. The entrance is preceded by a granite staircase, and on the side façades, one can admire a Via Sacra (Way of the Cross) in polychrome tiles, adding colour and devotion to the whitewashed ensemble.
Upon crossing the portal, one encounters a spacious interior, divided into three naves by robust granite pillars and dividing arches. The artistic richness is revealed in the altarpieces of the side altars, both in gilded and Baroque carving. On the north side, there is the altar dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, with its rococo image of Our Lady as Queen of Angels. On the south side, the altar is dedicated to the Souls, featuring a later image of Senhor dos Passos (Our Lord of the Steps). The main nave is covered by a wooden coffered ceiling, which lends elegance to the space.
The main chapel, with a quadrangular plan, stands out for its domed ceiling and the remarkable mural paintings that adorn its walls. In these compositions, one can observe isolated representations of saints, many with almost monochromatic backgrounds, which bear witness to the pictorial art of the 16th to 18th centuries. Although the authorship of these works is subject to study and debate among historians, being attributed to names such as Diogo Fernandes or José de Escobar, their presence enriches the visit, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate the mural painting of the period and the artistic history of Alentejo.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7702887,-7.7166805
Coordinates DMS: 38°46'13.0"N 07°43'0.0"W
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