Saint Jordan Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Évora > Évora > Torre de Coelheiros

Location

Situated on Monte de São Jordão, in the Torre de Coelheiros area, Évora, the Church of São Jordão emerges in a typical Alentejo rural landscape, dotted with cork oak forests and cereal fields. Its location on a gentle slope offers an authentic perspective of Évora's vast territory, immersed in rural tranquility.

History and Patron Saint

The history of the Church of São Jordão is deeply linked to the figure of Saint Jordão, a legendary bishop from Évora, whom tradition indicates was martyred precisely at this site in the year 305. Popular belief attributed to him the ability to cure "sezões," a type of intermittent fever. The temple was founded in the 16th century, initially serving as a hermitage and later as a parish church, maintaining its historical and symbolic relevance in the Évora region.

Architecture and Unique Elements

The architecture of this church is a notable example of the 16th-century religious and vernacular style characteristic of the Alentejo. It features a single nave, a galilee, and a chancel, with an interesting juxtaposition of volumes that makes it distinct from other rural hermitages in the region. The main facade stands out for its galilee, composed of three perfect-arch arcades, resting on solid pillars. The facades are plastered and whitewashed, built with mixed masonry of stone and brick, giving it a traditional and robust aesthetic. On one of the southern facade's corners, an old sundial invites closer observation.

The Hidden Mural Paintings

The church's interior holds valuable artistic treasures. Its lateral walls and the back wall of the chancel reveal various layers of fresco mural paintings, some dated to the 16th century and others to 1627. These works were hidden for centuries, covered by carved altarpieces and painted panels that have since disappeared. Their rediscovery unveils a rich visual narrative, with figures such as Saint Martin, the Angel of the Annunciation, and a Dominican saint, accompanied by inscriptions that transport us to the devotion of their former patrons.

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