Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Évora > Redondo > Montoito > 7200-053
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção is located in Montoito, a village in the municipality of Redondo. Built on a small elevation of the land, it shares its space with the village cemetery, which gives it an atmosphere of calm and contemplation, standing out in the surrounding landscape.
The existence of a religious center in this location dates back to ancient times, with the parish already referenced in 1341, at the time of Pedro Anes' charter. The current construction, which can be observed today, dates back to the 16th century, replacing an earlier 13th-century structure. The church underwent significant interventions after the 1755 earthquake, which profoundly altered many buildings in Portugal, shaping its physiognomy over the centuries. Since 1534, the presence of a curacy in the location underscores its continuous religious and communal importance.
This temple reveals the typical character of Alentejo rural constructions. On the exterior, its robust masonry stands out, complemented by touches of scagliola on the quoins and a triangular gable. One of its most notable elements is the porch with a terrace, supported by three full arches, which was built in 1653 and gives the building a welcoming front.
Inside, the rectangular-plan nave is covered by a barrel vault. Its side walls are enriched by a series of eight canvas paintings, dating from around 1700, which represent valuable artistic heritage. The quadrangular-plan chancel features an impressive Gothic multi-ribbed vault with naturalistic decoration, likely dating back to the reign of D. João III. The ensemble harmonizes with an integral fresco-style covering, evoking 17th-century Baroque art.
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção represents a testament to history and art in the heart of the Alentejo. Its architecture, though simple in its rural character, houses an artistic richness that unfolds from Gothic to Baroque, reflecting the different eras that shaped it. A visit to this place provides contact with a lasting religious and cultural past, keeping alive the memory of generations and the essence of local identity.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.5043965,-7.5998536
Coordinates DMS: 38°30'15.8"N 07°35'59.5"W
Weather Montoito
On-duty Pharmacy Montoito
