Mercy Church of Évora

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

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

Location

The Church of Mercy of Évora (Igreja da Misericórdia) stands discreetly in the heart of the city's historic centre, an area classified as a World Heritage Site. Set within the old urban fabric, its presence contributes to the serene and deeply historic atmosphere that characterizes this part of Évora, inviting the discovery of its hidden corners and its rich architectural tapestry.

Located in the parish that includes São Mamede, Sé, São Pedro, and Santo Antão, in the municipality and district of Évora, the church is easily accessible to those who wander through the city's age-old streets and squares, revealing itself as one of its most significant cultural landmarks.

History and Foundation

The Church of Mercy of Évora is intrinsically linked to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, a philanthropic and social institution founded in the 16th century, following the model of the brotherhoods of Mercy that spread throughout Portugal and its empire. Its initial construction dates back to the first half of the 16th century, with the building having undergone various interventions and enrichments over the centuries.

Since its foundation, the church served as the spiritual centre for the charitable works and social assistance provided by the brotherhood, reflecting on its walls and altarpieces the devotion and commitment to helping others, which were the pillars of the institution.

Baroque Art and Architecture

Despite the sobriety of its exterior façade, the Church of Mercy of Évora surprises visitors with the exuberance and richness of its interior, which is a remarkable example of Baroque art and architecture. The interior space is dominated by a profusion of decorative elements that invite contemplation.

One of the highlights of the church is the remarkable covering of its walls with 18th-century azulejo panels. These figurative panels, in shades of blue and white, narrate and illustrate the fourteen Works of Mercy, both corporal and spiritual, conveying a powerful and didactic visual message about the institution's mission.

The altars, particularly the main altar, stand out for their sumptuous gilded woodwork, a meticulous artistic work that adorns the altarpieces and transforms them into true works of art, demonstrating the decorative opulence of the Baroque period in Portugal. The combination of the azulejos and the gilded woodwork creates an atmosphere of great visual and spiritual impact.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_da_Misericórdia_de_Évora

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