Grace Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Évora > Évora > São Mamede, Sé, São Pedro e Santo Antão

Name and Location

- Also known as Convento da Graça or Meninos da Graça.

- Located in Largo da Graça, in the parish of Évora (São Mamede, Sé, São Pedro e Santo Antão).

History and Foundation

- Founded in 1511 by the barefoot hermit friars of Saint Augustine.

- Designed by the architect Miguel de Arruda of the Royal House.

Architecture and Style

- Example of pure Renaissance style.

- Facade decorated with atlantes figures, called "Meninos da Graça" (Grace Boys) by locals.

Classification

- National Monument since 1910.

Current Functions

- The Convent functions as the Officers' Mess of the Évora garrison.

- The Church serves as the Chaplaincy of the Southern Military Region.

Changes Over Time

- Nationalized and transformed into a Barracks in 1834 after the extinction of religious orders.

- Suffered great degradation, losing many artistic and sumptuary elements.

Transfers and Restorations

- Altars, images, and bells were moved to the Church of the Convent of São Francisco.

- The chapel of the Brotherhood of Senhor Jesus dos Passos was transferred to the Church of the Espírito Santo.

Restoration

- Restored in the second half of the 20th century.

- Maintains Renaissance elements such as the exterior, the cloister, and the refectory.

Curiosities

- In 1884, the church's vault collapsed, destroying tile panels depicting the life of Saint Augustine.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_da_Graça_(Évora)