Church of Saint Benedict of the Woods

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Évora > São Bento do Mato

Location

Situated in the tranquility of the Alentejo plain, the Church of São Bento do Mato stands in the locality of São Bento do Mato, within the municipality of Évora. It is located in a rural and serene environment, slightly isolated next to the local cemetery, in a small churchyard that invites reflection and observation of the surrounding landscape. Its position offers an authentic glimpse of the Alentejo, with its vast fields and characteristic quietness.

A Confluence of Eras

What makes the Church of São Bento do Mato truly unique is its deep connection to a remote past, predating its own construction by millennia. The apse of the temple remarkably rests upon the vestiges of an ancient anta or dolmen, a megalithic structure built between 4000 and 3000 BC. This fusion of a prehistoric monument with a Christian religious building creates a fascinating dialogue between different eras and beliefs, allowing visitors to contemplate the continuity of the site's sacred use over thousands of years. The upright stones of the anta can be observed at the church's head, visible from the exterior, bearing witness to this unusual union.

The Plain Architecture of Alentejo

The church is a modest, but representative example of the plain (chã) architecture characteristic of the Évora region. It features a simple rectangular plan, composed of a nave and an apse. The exterior is distinguished by its gable roof and a facade with a smooth triangular pediment, crowned by a bell-gable. A marble portico, of more recent appearance, and strongly buttressed flanks give it solidity. Inside, the nave is covered by a barrel vault, while the apse, also with a masonry vault, is enriched by a checkered tiling in blue and white tones, decorative elements that underscore its Alentejo identity.

Legacy and Continuity

The history of the Church of São Bento do Mato dates back to the late 16th century, when the primitive temple was built, from which the original apse still survives. In the 18th century, the building underwent a significant reconstruction, acquiring the form observed today. Maintaining its religious function since its origin, this temple continues to be a place of worship and an important landmark in the community of São Bento do Mato. Its historical and cultural relevance is recognized, having been classified as a Property of Public Interest, thus safeguarding its preservation and its value as heritage.

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