Lord Borba's Steps.

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Évora > Borba > Borba > São Bartolomeu

Location

The 'Passos do Senhor de Borba' (Steps of the Lord of Borba) are located in the Alentejo town of Borba, in the heart of the municipality of the same name. It is not a single building, but rather a set of four distinct structures, strategically dispersed throughout the town's urban fabric. They can be found on different streets, such as Alto da Praça, Rua 13 de Janeiro, Rua de São Bartolomeu, and Rua Marquês de Marialva, integrating into Borba's daily landscape.

Their distribution throughout the urban fabric allows visitors to discover these unique chapels while exploring the town, offering an authentic perspective of its identity and history.

Origin and Architectural Style

Built in 1755, the 'Passos do Senhor de Borba' represent a notable example of 18th-century religious architecture in Alentejo. Their design is attributed to José Francisco de Abreu, a prominent figure of Alentejo Baroque, whose work extended to several localities in the region, including Vila Viçosa, Campo Maior, Elvas, and Estremoz.

The construction of this complex was likely promoted by the Venerable Third Order, reflecting the importance of faith and popular devotions at the time. The Baroque aesthetic is evident in the monumentality and decorative details of each structure.

Uniqueness and Cultural Value

This set of processional 'Passos' stands out as it is considered the largest in the country in terms of size, and marks the last major complex of its kind to be erected in the Alentejo region. Its construction is part of a regional tradition that began in Évora in 1719 and continued in localities such as Vila Viçosa and Estremoz, culminating in the grandeur of Borba's 'Passos'.

Beyond their artistic and historical value, the 'Passos' remain a central element in Borba's religious and cultural life, highlighting the community's deep connection to these structures. Interestingly, the 'Passo do Alto da Praça' has a particular history, linked to a donation that allowed for the daily celebration of masses intended for prisoners of the former Prison Tower, which underscores its multifaceted role in the social life of the time.

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