Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Évora > Mora > Cabeção > Bairro Quinta da Laranjinha
The Church of Misericórdia is situated in the heart of the locality of Cabeção, more precisely in the Quinta da Laranjinha neighborhood. Its main facade opens onto a square, accessible via a wide stone staircase, which extends for three distinct flights and is surrounded by a cobbled walkway. The building is integrated into the traditional urban fabric, with one of its sides adjacent to low-rise buildings and the other bordering a two-story building housing the post office. The east side of the church faces a cobbled street, with adjacent parking, which contributes to its centrality in the old village square.
The history of the Church of Misericórdia of Cabeção is intimately linked to the foundation of the respective Santa Casa da Misericórdia, which began in 1575. The celebration of the first mass in the temple, in 1581, marked the beginning of its religious activity. Over the centuries, the church has been subject to several interventions that altered its structure. Notable are the modifications to the bell tower: a tower built in 1936 to replace an original belfry was, in turn, demolished in 1942, giving way to the current, taller brick construction.
The church features a longitudinal plan, with a single nave preceding a narrower chancel. Inside the nave, attention is drawn to the full-arch ribbed vault, divided into four sections, meticulously painted in shades of gray and white. The panels are adorned with molded coffers and stucco elements, such as rosettes and flowers. The lunettes, resulting from the vault's design, are enriched with mural paintings simulating marble and displaying cartouches with Latin inscriptions. The nave also includes a wooden pulpit with turned balusters and niches housing various religious images. The surrounding wainscoting is covered with patterned tiles, in shades of blue and white. The triumphal arch, which separates the nave from the chancel, features mural paintings simulating blocks of pink marble ashlar, lending depth to the space.
In the bell tower of the Church of Misericórdia, one of its most valuable treasures is found: a bronze bell dating from the 14th century (1391). This bell is notable not only for its antiquity, being one of the oldest cast bronze bells in the South of the country, but also for its particular inscription alluding to Saint Agatha. Its presence is a direct link to the community's remote past, offering a unique perspective on local history and traditions, through a sound that echoes for centuries.
The Church of Misericórdia maintains an active role in the religious and cultural life of Cabeção. It is the venue for liturgical celebrations and, in particular, a central element in the secular Procession of the Burial of the Lord, which is held on Good Friday. This procession, considered the oldest in the municipality and with origins in the 16th century, is a moment of great significance for the community. During this event, the windows of houses are traditionally lit with candles, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and sharing that reflects the church's strong connection to local life and traditions.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.9518042,-8.0717858
Coordinates DMS: 38°57'6.5"N 08°04'18.4"W
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