Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Faro > Silves > Alcantarilha
The Church of Misericórdia stands in the town of Alcantarilha, in the municipality of Silves, located in the district of Faro. Its presence in the urban fabric of Alcantarilha offers a landmark that reflects local history and traditions.
The foundation of the Church of Misericórdia dates back to the early 16th century, a period that marks the establishment of the brotherhood of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Silves, instituted around 1498 or 1499. In its early days, the brotherhood used a chapel in the Cathedral for its meetings.
The current building has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, particularly in the second half of the 16th century. At that time, its original design, which showed Manueline influences, was replaced by a Mannerist concept, in line with the artistic currents of the period. The resilience and relevance of the church to the community are evident in the successive interventions and restorations it has undergone.
The Church of Misericórdia is predominantly built of Grés de Silves (Silves Sandstone), featuring remarkably sober façades. The main façade is distinguished by its single opening, topped by a Mannerist portico with a rounded arch, flanked by Tuscan-style half-columns.
However, it is the side portal, located on the east façade, that stands out for its beauty and uniqueness. This portal, an example of Manueline art, likely dates from the 1520s. Carved in limestone and slightly raised from street level, the portal is enriched by two archivolts with elaborate decoration. On them, characteristic elements of the Manueline style can be observed, such as gnarled trunks, foliage, masks from which plant stems emerge, small heads with exotic features, and multifaceted bases. The uniqueness of this piece lies in its intricate details and in the ogee arch, which is topped by a finial with the inscription "Casa da Misericórdia".
Inside the church, with a simple longitudinal nave and a raised presbytery, the 17th-century Late Mannerist altarpiece stands out. This artistic piece, which extends up to the height of the roof, exemplifies the decoration of the period, incorporating gilded woodcarving, floral sculptures, and valances.
The altarpiece includes a set of nine paintings. The large central canvas depicts the "Visitation of the Virgin". The remaining eight smaller paintings illustrate the Way of the Cross and the seven works of mercy, organized to portray human needs and secondary works, with the work "visiting the sick" at the highest point. The iconography of these works, influenced by prints from humanist authors of Northern Europe, offers a glimpse into the artistic and cultural currents of that period in the Algarve. The collection of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia is complemented by a set of eight processional banners, with sixteen canvases, and a holy water font that displays Manueline decorative elements.
Today, the Church of Misericórdia also serves as a space for cultural events. In addition to its historical and architectural value, the building has been adapted to host visual arts exhibitions, such as photography, and other events.
It also functions as a venue for theatrical performances, historical exhibitions, and concerts. This use allows the monument to be accessible to different audiences and to continue playing a role in the community.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.1293494,-8.3456404
Coordinates DMS: 37°07'45.7"N 08°20'44.3"W
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