Saint Gregory Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Borba > Rio de Moinhos > São Gregório

Location

The Hermitage of São Gregório is integrated into the small and rustic village of the same name, an area belonging to the locality of Rio de Moinhos, in the municipality of Borba. Its position offers a view over the valley that stretches at the foot of the imposing Serra de Ossa, accompanied by the course of the Lucefece river.

Historical Notes

Records indicate that this small hermitage already existed in the mid-16th century, more specifically in the year 1556. An old tradition associates its origin with a shoemaker, who is said to have left real estate (houses) whose income was intended to support the chapel. It is thought that it was precisely from this group of houses that the village of São Gregório developed.

Architectural Simplicity

The construction features architecture marked by simplicity. Its facade is predominantly white, standing out for the plainness of its lines and the upper finish painted in a shade of blue. This unadorned appearance contributes to its harmonious integration into the rural and traditional environment of the village.

Connection to the Deep Past

The hermitage's dedication to Saint Gregory the Great, a Pope known for peacefully promoting the Christianization of pagan cults, takes on particular significance in this location. The region of the Lucefece River valley, where the hermitage is located, is known to have been the scene of ancient cults, considered magical since prehistoric times. The cult of deities such as Endovélico is believed to have persisted in the area until later periods, including the Roman and even medieval eras. The presence of the hermitage can be seen in this context, as a Christian landmark in a place with strong ties to ancestral beliefs.

Preservation and Care

Over time, various interventions have been carried out to maintain the integrity of the building. More recently, the hermitage benefited from roof restoration work. These preservation efforts are important to ensure that this place, with its history and symbolism, remains accessible and conserved.

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