Grace Church or Testimonies of Grace Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Faro > Loulé > Loulé > São Clemente

Location

Located in Largo Tenente Cabeçadas, in Loulé, this church is part of the remains of an old convent that was destroyed over the centuries.

History

The convent was founded between the 13th and 14th centuries by the Franciscans. In the 16th century, it began to be occupied by the Order of Saint Augustine. During the 19th century, it was abandoned, and part of the construction was destroyed, leaving only some significant parts.

Historical Importance

Classified as a National Monument since 1924, the site is one of the few examples of medieval and religious architecture in the Algarve.

The Gothic Portal

The main visible element of the church is the large Gothic portal, which stands out for its grandeur and beauty. Decorated with floral motifs and supported by marble columns, this portal serves as an entrance to a small alleyway that gives access to several residences.

The Baroque Facade

The convent wing features a Baroque-style facade, symmetrical and two-story, which testifies to the splendor of the original construction.

Ruins and Vestiges

Despite the destruction, vestiges such as columns, arches, and other decorative elements can still be seen in the adjoining buildings. Some columns may have been part of the triumphal arch of the chancel.

Transformations Over the Years

The convent underwent many transformations over time. In the 18th century, it underwent several renovations. After the 1755 earthquake and the Liberal Wars, the building was severely damaged.

Exhibition of Artifacts

Some historical objects from the convent, such as images of saints, can be found in the Municipal Museum of Loulé and in the Church of São Clemente.

Recent Restoration

In the 21st century, the Loulé City Council has promoted the restoration of the Igreja da Graça, including the restoration of the portal and the refurbishment of the interior of the church.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_da_Graça_(Loulé)

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