Church of Saint Christopher

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Montemor-o-Novo > São Cristóvão > Courela do Açude

Location

The Church of São Cristóvão is located in the Courela do Açude area, part of the locality of São Cristóvão, in the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo. It is situated on one of the boundaries of the village cluster, near the right bank of the stream of the same name. Its position offers a tranquil setting, marking the transition between the houses and the surrounding natural landscape.

Historical Background

The history of the Church of São Cristóvão dates back to the early 16th century, the period in which it is believed to have been founded. Historical documents from 1758 already described it as a church with its own parish. Over time, the building underwent interventions, with significant reforms dating from the 17th century. Originally, it functioned as a curacy under the presentation of the Archdiocese of Évora, which attests to its relevance and ecclesiastical connection in the region.

Architecture and Structure

The architectural design of the church reveals its 16th-century origins, with elements that bear witness to the transition of styles. The analysis of its apse, for example, confirms its dating to the early 16th century. Its interior houses the main chapel, considered a notable expression of Gothic architecture from the first half of the 16th century, one of its most interesting features. The main façade, facing west, shows the marks of later reforms, namely the 17th-century interventions.

Works of Art

Inside the Church of São Cristóvão, visitors can appreciate a valuable collection of works of art. A notable piece is a 16th-century sculpture of the patron saint, Saint Christopher, robustly depicted with the figure of the Child God on his left shoulder. In addition to this central piece, the temple preserves fragments of 17th-century mural paintings, which are revealed beneath layers of whitewash. In the sacristy, there are also two paintings of particular interest: "The Holy Trinity," attributed to the Mannerist school of the Évora cycle, and "St. Michael and the Souls in Purgatory," believed to be by Jerónimo Corte Real.

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