Sanctuary of the Convent of the Lord Holy Christ of Fraga

Category: Religious Architecture > Sanctuary

District: Guarda > Aguiar da Beira > Pinheiro > Santo Cristo da Fraga

Location

The Sanctuary of the Convent of Senhor Santo Cristo da Fraga is located in the village of Pinheiro, municipality of Aguiar da Beira. It stands on the southeastern slope of the Serra da Fraga, in a position that offers a view of the surrounding landscape, characteristic of the Beira Alta region.

Origin and History

The history of this Sanctuary dates back to the late 18th century, when the Franciscan convent was built on the site of an old chapel. This chapel, in turn, was erected after the discovery of a crucified Christ image, found by two men looking for stones for a millstone. The site, classified as a Public Interest Ensemble, is today an architectural and religious testament to past eras, where the church and the ruins of the old conventual complex persist.

Architectural and Artistic Legacy

Although only the church and ruins remain, the Sanctuary impresses with its facade, which stands out in the landscape. Inside the church, visitors can appreciate the gilded altarpieces, which showcase the artistic beauty and evolution of Baroque, Rococo, and Revivalist styles. This fusion of styles gives the space a rich and diverse atmosphere, inviting contemplation of the work of ancient masters.

Memory of a Sage

The Convent of Senhor Santo Cristo da Fraga is also a place of memory for a notable figure of Portuguese culture. Here lived and wrote Friar Joaquim de Santa Rosa de Viterbo, a wise and virtuous Franciscan friar, author of the celebrated "Elucidário" and other works of great value. His mortal remains rest on the floor of the old cloister, giving the Sanctuary an additional historical and intellectual dimension and highlighting the importance of this place for the production of knowledge in the past.

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