Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Faro > São Brás de Alportel > São Brás de Alportel > Centro
Located in the heart of the historic center of São Brás de Alportel, the Mother Church stands on a mid-slope position, defining one of the village's landmarks. Its churchyard, extending to the west and north, marks the old cemetery grounds and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to appreciate the embrace of the Algarve mountains and its proximity to the coast.
The Mother Church of São Brás de Alportel dates back to the early 16th century, having been an initial construction that witnessed the evolution of the locality. As early as 1554, a significant reconstruction shaped its configuration, giving it three naves. Throughout the centuries, the temple underwent several interventions, and the 1755 Earthquake caused substantial damage, leading to the ruin of the chancel and extensive recovery works. These took place between 1799 and 1810, under the influence of the Bishop of Algarve D. Francisco Gomes do Avelar, and were supervised by the architect Francisco Xavier Fabri, who sought to preserve the 16th-century essence of the space. In the 19th century, in 1875, the church was again expanded, with the addition of the transept, a new chancel, and the sacristy, consolidating its current form.
The interior of the Mother Church reveals its longitudinal plan architecture, divided into three spacious naves. The naves are separated by columns following the Tuscan order, conveying a sense of sobriety and solidity. The ceilings feature barrel vaults, except in the transept, where a ribbed cross vault adds a distinctive touch. Attention to detail is visible in its altarpieces: the chancel and the baptistery display works of Neoclassical inspiration, while the Chapel of Senhor dos Passos stands out with a rocaille style altarpiece, richly decorated with 18th-century gilded carving. It is also possible to admire a collection of sacred images dating from the 18th century, including representations of Saint Liborius, Saint Euphemia, Saint Joseph, Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Archangel Saint Michael, as well as 17th-century canvases that enrich the ambiance.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.1503125,-7.8883304
Coordinates DMS: 37°09'1.1"N 07°53'18.0"W
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