Hermitage of Saint Jerome

Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage

District: Évora > Vila Viçosa > Vila Viçosa > Nossa Senhora da Conceição e São Bartolomeu

Location

The Chapel of Saint Jerome is located in Vila Viçosa, integrated into the area of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and São Bartolomeu. Its setting within the area of the Ducal Walled Park of Vila Viçosa provides a serene atmosphere and a special connection to the municipal landscape, inviting contemplation and tranquility.

Origins and Architecture

This unique temple was built in the early 17th century, by order of D. Teodósio II. The Chapel of Saint Jerome stands out for its circular plan, an architectural form uncommon for its time, which associates it with other chapels present in the Ducal Walled Park. Its facade is marked by a small galilee that opens into three arches, inviting visitors to discover the interior.

The Mural Painting and Its Preservation

Inside the Chapel, one of the most interesting elements is the mural painting depicting "Saint Jerome in the Desert". This artwork is framed by a Mannerist relief molding, which refers to the decorative details of spaces like the Ladies' Garden in the Ducal Palace. Recently, the House of Bragança Foundation ensured a conservation and restoration intervention for this painting, guaranteeing its authenticity and allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty and meaning with greater clarity.

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