Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage
District: Faro > Alcoutim > Alcoutim
The hermitage is located next to the old trace of Alcoutim's walls, on a slightly elevated platform overlooking the surrounding houses. The open churchyard offers partial views over the undulating terrain that accompanies the Guadiana river, a few tens of meters away.
Enveloped by a discreet space of trees and whitewashed walls, the white silhouette of the facade stands out against the sky, creating a peaceful landmark in the heart of the village.
Although the exact date of its foundation is lost to memory, the hermitage was entirely rebuilt in the 16th century. In the 18th century, the Baroque-style staircase was added, which reinforced its connection to the center of the village.
Between 1998 and 2008, this building housed a museum of sacred art dedicated to the churches of Alcoutim; the exhibition has since been transferred to another space, but its classification as a Monument of Public Interest, attributed in 2015, highlights the temple's cultural importance.
The exterior reveals simple lines, with whitewashed masonry and a traditional tiled roof. The facade maintains a discreet portal, flanked by narrow windows that filter light into the interior.
On the main altar, a table covered with Hispano-Arabic tiles from the 16th century stands out, while the Baroque altarpiece, in gilded woodcarving, displays columns flanked by small symbolic sculptures. The soft lighting gives the space an atmosphere of contemplation and dignity.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ermida_de_Nossa_Senhora_da_Conceição_(Alcoutim)
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.4701025,-7.4737158
Coordinates DMS: 37°28'12.4"N 07°28'25.4"W
Weather Alcoutim
On-duty Pharmacy Alcoutim
