Hermitage of Saint Sebastian

Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage

District: Évora > Mourão > Mourão > Bairro Doutor Baltazar Rebelo de Sousa

Location

The Chapel of Saint Sebastian is located in the town of Mourão, within the Doutor Baltazar Rebelo de Sousa neighborhood. Situated on Rua de São Sebastião, the chapel stands out atop a gentle hill, giving it a prominent presence in the urban landscape. Its proximity to the public cemetery is a testament to its historical function as a landmark, marking the boundaries of the old settlement and offering a serene setting.

A Look at the Past

This chapel boasts a history dating back at least to 1537, though its original foundation date remains unknown. Buildings dedicated to Saint Sebastian were traditionally erected on the outskirts of towns, marking their boundaries and offering protection. Over time, the chapel adapted to different roles in the community's life: in the 18th century, it served as the headquarters for the Venerable Third Order of Saint Francis, earning it the alternative designation of "Chapel of Saint Francis". Later, in the 19th century, it even functioned as a boys' school. After a period of disuse for religious purposes, the chapel was reopened for worship in 1970, regaining its initial function and importance for the inhabitants of Mourão.

Architecture and Its Exterior Details

The Chapel of Saint Sebastian is an interesting example of religious architecture, revealing a fusion between the erudite Mannerist style, attributed to João de Oliveira, and more traditional elements of Alentejo construction, with roots in Late Gothic. The main façade, facing west, is marked by a double triangular pediment, adorned with finials and pinnacles at the ends, topped by an axial bell-gable with a weather vane. The straight-lintel portal, made of stonework, is flanked by two windows, now walled up, which reflect the popular architecture of the region. Above the portal, a bas-relief of an open crown pierced by three arrows alludes to the martyrdom of the patron saint. The walls, of masonry and partially whitewashed, exhibit an intentional chromatic contrast with the areas of exposed plaster, while the parapet is artistically decorated with volutes and shell motifs.

The Richness of the Interior Space

Upon entering the chapel, one observes a longitudinal plan, composed of a nave and a narrower chancel, which are divided into four main areas: the eso-narthex, the nave, the chancel, and the sacristy. The eso-narthex, with its quadrangular plan, is covered by an octagonal dome that still preserves traces of mural painting and houses a marble font. The nave, rectangular in shape, is protected by a barrel vault, decorated with sgraffito in a "Saint Andrew's Cross" pattern, organized into coffers. The chancel, with a square plan, features a vault and whitewashed walls, highlighted by an oculus above the triumphal arch, surrounded by strapwork. The altar is enhanced by a late Baroque carved altarpiece, of popular style, which houses the image of the patron saint, and in the sacristy, there is a marble lavabo.

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