Church of Saint Anthony

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Mora > Cabeção > Bairro Quinta da Laranjinha

Location

The Church of Santo António is located in Cabeção, in the municipality of Mora, integrated into the Quinta da Laranjinha neighbourhood. It faces northwest, and its façade dialogues with the traditional surroundings of the locality. Nearby, an old civil dwelling can be observed, with its peculiar chimney and a voluminous rustic gate adorned with pyramidal pinnacles, which complements the welcoming atmosphere of the area.

Memory and Transformation

This temple has a history dating back to the early 18th century, with the examination of its architecture dated 1708. Initially, the construction corresponded only to the cylindrical rotunda that today forms the chancel, having been expanded in later periods. Throughout the 19th century, the building underwent alterations that compromised its original design, resulting in a period of degradation. However, in 1966, significant recovery works were carried out, which allowed the Church of Santo António to regain its dignity and ancestral characteristics.

Construction Details

On the exterior, the church features a simple masonry façade, marked by a triangular pediment and a round lunette. Above this ensemble, a modern bell tower adorned with volutes rises. At the corners, the quoins are reinforced by inclined buttresses, and access is gained through a common doorway, over stone steps.

Inside, the presbytery stands out for its circular section, topped by a half-orange dome, with details reminiscent of the 17th century. The nave, in turn, is covered by a barrel vault, divided into three sections by molded arches with sharp edges, painted white. The chancel, slightly elevated, is introduced by a round and colourful triumphal arch. In it, a Rococo style altarpiece and an altar table in the shape of an urna stand out, both richly ornamented in the same style, lending a touch of refinement to the space.