Church of Saint Brissos

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Montemor-o-Novo > São Brissos > Monte da Igreja

Location

The Church of São Brissos is located in a rural and tranquil setting, south of the small village of São Brissos, which belongs to the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo. Situated in the area known as Monte da Igreja (Church Hill), this parish stands at an isolated point, near a road fork. In front of the main façade, a stone wayside cross contributes to the serene and historical atmosphere of the place.

An Architectural Legacy

Dating from the 16th century, the Church of São Brissos is an example of the region's rustic architecture, harmoniously integrating elements from various periods. One can observe Manueline and Renaissance influences, which blend with Mannerist and Baroque features, revealing the layers of history and art that have been added over the centuries.

The Façade and its Details

The church's main façade is characterized by its galilee, a porch that precedes the entrance. This space is covered by a polynervated vault of Manueline inspiration, notable for its ornamentation. The nave, rectangular in shape and oriented to the east, culminates in a gable where a simple bell-gable stands. The walls, plastered and whitewashed, are highlighted by architectural elements such as pilasters, moldings, and the entrance arch, painted in shades of yellow ochre, with traces of blue paint, which add color to the construction.

The Revealing Interior

Upon crossing the threshold of the church, the visitor is met with a richly decorated interior. The nave features a barrel vault adorned with Mannerist mural paintings, arranged in alternately circular and square panels, depicting the Apostles, with Christ in the central medallion. The chancel, narrower and higher, culminates in a dome also covered with mural paintings, illustrating various full-figure saints, including Saint Brissos, the patron saint, and the four Evangelists. Gilded woodcarved side altarpieces and a semicircular stone pulpit complement the artistic composition of this place of worship.

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