Church of Saint James / Interpretive Center of the Castle of Montemor-o-Novo

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Montemor-o-Novo > Montemor-o-Novo > Bairro de São Pedro

Location

Situated in the São Pedro Quarter, this structure stands on the hill where the castle of Montemor-o-Novo is located. Its position, within the ancient walls that defined the old town, offers a unique perspective on the locality's historical ensemble.

History and Architecture of the Building

The Church of Saint James was one of Montemor-o-Novo's four historical parish churches, with its earliest references dating back to the 14th century. Throughout the 16th century, the building underwent an extensive remodelling, which gave it a Manueline style, although it retains a small granite Gothic portal, now visible as a window. It remained a place of worship until the mid-19th century. After this period, and already in the 20th century, it served different purposes, including that of a repository for historical and artistic objects, before being restored and inaugurated, in 2007, as the Castle Interpretive Centre.

A Journey Through Local History

Currently, this space houses an Interpretive Centre that invites visitors on a journey through the history of Montemor-o-Novo. Through a permanent exhibition, visitors discover the evolution of the town from its most remote origins on the castle hill to the present day. The exhibition includes detailed information panels and a collection of archaeological objects, which help to understand the various phases of occupation and transformation of the territory. Occasionally, temporary exhibitions are presented, often highlighting everyday archaeological finds.

Mural Art

One of the most distinctive aspects of the old church are its mural paintings, which adorn the walls and ceiling. Dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, these works feature a mixture of religious scenes and decorative elements, such as vegetal motifs and grotesques. In the main chapel, a ceiling decorated with an Orchestra of Angelic Musicians stands out, notable for its good state of preservation. In other areas, representations such as the Martyrdom of Saint Barbara and Saint Catherine of Siena can be observed. In the Chapel of the Lord of the Wounds, a profusely painted dome displays scenes from the Passion of Christ, including the Flagellation, the Way of the Cross, and the Crucifixion.

Traces of the Past

The historical importance of the site is underlined by the archaeological excavations carried out in the churchyard and inside the church between 1992 and 1993. These works revealed the existence of two necropolises, dating from the 14th and 17th centuries, providing clues about the funerary practices of the time and the organization of the town's medieval urbanism. Such findings contribute to the understanding of life on the castle hill throughout the centuries.

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