Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Évora > Arraiolos > São Gregório e Santa Justa > Chaminé
The Church of São Gregório is located in the parish of São Gregório e Santa Justa, in the municipality of Arraiolos, within the area known as Chaminé. Its position is unique, crowning a small hill that rises above the village, giving it an isolated yet prominent character in the landscape.
This elevated location allows its silhouette to be easily spotted from a distance, making it a visible and harmonious landmark for those approaching the locality.
The Church of São Gregório stands as a remarkable example of Baroque plain architecture, a style that prioritizes sobriety of forms. The building stands out for its simple mass, with a longitudinal plan that integrates the nave and the chancel without major visible interruptions on the exterior.
On the main facade, the rectangular portal stands out, framed by volute ornaments in masonry. Above, an oval lunette precedes the broken pediment, also with volutes, which encloses the discreet but elegant bell tower structure. The side facades, characterized by the absence of openings, are strengthened by six prominent buttresses, which lend solidity to the construction.
Upon entering, the visitor is welcomed by a single nave, covered by a barrel vault. On the rear wall of the nave, the magnificent gilded and carved altarpiece with polychrome decoration draws attention, asserting itself with its artistic richness and detail, complemented by a Mannerist painting at its center and mural paintings that carefully reinterpret erudite models.
The church also houses a square-plan baptismal chapel, covered by a hemispherical dome resting on squinches, revealing an interesting constructive solution. The walls of both the nave and the baptismal chapel are covered with tiles and oil paintings, adding layers of color and visual narratives to the interior space.
The history of the Church of São Gregório dates back to its foundation in 1524. Shortly thereafter, in 1534, it underwent significant remodelling, following a visitation by Cardinal Bishop of Évora, D. Afonso, who promoted important works.
The appearance that can be admired today results from a substantial rebuilding that occurred in the early 17th century. In recognition of its heritage value, the Church of São Gregório was classified as a Monument of Public Interest in 2013, underlining its importance in the context of Alentejan religious architecture.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7995576,-7.9162665
Coordinates DMS: 38°47'58.4"N 07°54'58.6"W
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