Church of Saint Benedict of Cortiço

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Estremoz > São Bento do Cortiço

Location

The church is located in the village of São Bento do Cortiço, which is part of the municipality of Estremoz. It is situated in the center of the village, in a square that formerly served as the local cemetery. Its position makes it stand out among the houses, serving as a landmark in the community's life.

Origins and History

The history of this temple is quite ancient. There are references to a hermitage on the site as early as 1424, indicating the presence of a place of worship in this area since ancient times. Over the centuries, the building has been adapted and modified. Documents from 1534 mention guidelines for the acquisition of essential elements and repairs, such as liturgical vestments, a grille for the crossing, and new doors, showing that the church was actively cared for by the community.

More recently, in 1979, the church underwent renovation works that significantly altered some of its internal elements. In these interventions, the 18th-century altars were modified, the original pulpit and choir were removed, the marble baptismal font was replaced, and the building's roof was altered.

Architecture and Interior Highlights

From the exterior, the Church of São Bento do Cortiço presents an appearance of great simplicity and sobriety. The main facade is marked by a portal with marble jambs, surmounted by a small oculus. The shaped pediment is crowned by a cross. This exterior austerity contrasts with what is found inside.

Upon entering, visitors notice the grandeur of the altars. These elements stand out for their imposing nature and for being made of marble from the Estremoz region. The main altars are dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary and to the Souls in Purgatory, and are considered examples of the late Rococo style. Despite the alterations suffered in subsequent interventions, the presence and beauty of these marble altars continue to be one of the points of greatest artistic interest inside the church.

A Legend Linked to the Name

The village's oral tradition links the origin of the church and the name of the locality to a curious legend. It is said that Saint Benedict appeared in the area known as Horta de São Bento, not in a conventional human form, but inside a cortiço, the traditional cork beehive. It was in this "cortiço" that the saint requested a church be built there. The construction of the temple fulfilled this request and, according to the legend, gave rise to the village's name, São Bento do Cortiço.

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