Main Church of Estoi

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Faro > Faro > Estoi > Conceição e Estoi

Location

The Mother Church of Estoi rises distinctively in the locality of Estoi, a tranquil village in the municipality of Faro. Its elevated position allows it to be easily sighted, contributing to its striking presence in the village's urban landscape. Access is gained via a remarkable staircase that connects it to the main square, lending it a particular dignity and grandeur in the center of Estoi.

From Hermitage to Neoclassical Temple

The history of the Mother Church of Estoi dates back to the Middle Ages, when a hermitage dedicated to Saint Martin existed on the site. In the 16th century, with its elevation to parish seat, this hermitage underwent significant expansion, culminating in a more robust and complex structure with three naves, which was practically completed by around 1554. Later, the 1755 earthquake caused considerable damage to the building, requiring repairs which were followed, in the early years of the 19th century, by an ambitious reconstruction. This work, championed by Bishop of Algarve D. Francisco Gomes de Avelar and guided by the Italian architect Francisco Xavier Fabri, maintained much of the original plan but introduced a new facade, which today stands out for its neoclassical style.

Architectural and Artistic Elements

The church's exterior features a neoclassical facade with sober and proportionate lines, gaining greater grandeur due to the majestic staircase that separates it from the square. The main door and window display elements of the Ionic order, a detail replicated inside, where columns with beautiful Ionic capitals divide the temple's three naves. Inside, visitors will find six side chapels, each with its carved altarpieces. Of particular note are the baptistery, whose ornamentation was funded by the Viscount of Estoi in 1913, and the marble pulpit, sourced from the region. The church also houses a notable collection of sacred statues dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, a canvas depicting the Baptism of Christ, and a rare image of Saint Didacus. In the sacristy, valuable pieces can be observed, notably a remarkable 17th-century gilded silver monstrance, which, due to its richness and complexity, is one of the most important pieces in the collection.

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