Church of Saint Mary of the Bishop

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Montemor-o-Novo > Montemor-o-Novo > Moinho do Bispo

Location

The Church of Santa Maria do Bispo is located in Montemor-o-Novo, in the area known as Moinho do Bispo. Its position is unique, situated at the top of a hill about three hundred meters high, which gives it a privileged perspective over the surroundings, including the Almansor river valley. Although today it stands in a peri-urban and isolated area, its history is intrinsically linked to the fortified area of the old town, having been built within its walls.

A Secular Legacy

The history of the Church of Santa Maria do Bispo is long and rich, with the first documentary references appearing as early as 1316. Over several centuries, starting from the 14th, this church underwent successive reforms and renovations, bearing witness to the evolution of architecture and taste. It underwent important interventions in the 15th and 16th centuries, when it received elements of the Manueline style, and later, in the 17th century, with new adaptations that shaped its physiognomy until the 18th century.

Architectural Remains

Currently, the Church of Santa Maria do Bispo survives as a set of ruins, but its remains still allow for a glimpse of the dimension and impressiveness that once characterized this temple. It is possible to identify the original three-nave plan of the church and observe crucial elements of its structure. The main portico, part of the facade, and the chancel still stand, offering an idea of the complexity and beauty of the architecture that composed it, including its primitive ogival-style roof.

A Historical-Cultural Landmark

Today, the Church of Santa Maria do Bispo functions as a significant historical-cultural landmark, keeping alive the memory of the region's religious and social past. Although in ruins, its preservation and continuous study of the site, such as the archaeological surveys carried out, contribute to understanding its history. The interest in this heritage has led to virtual reconstruction projects, which allow the public to appreciate its grandeur, as it appeared in past eras, and to value artistic elements that adorned its interior, such as 17th-century altarpieces.

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