Church of Saint James of Évora de Alcobaça

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Leiria > Alcobaça > Évora de Alcobaça > Alto Azul

Location

The church is located in the town of Évora de Alcobaça, integrated into the urban area of Alto Azul, in the municipality of Alcobaça. Its presence marks a point of interest in the village's landscape, easily identifiable by its tower.

The Exterior Architecture

The Church of São Tiago, with Gothic roots, reveals its evolution through interventions carried out over the centuries, notably the significant alterations made in the 16th century. The main façade, crowned by a triangular eaves and an iron cross, features a remarkable Manueline portal. This portal, with a depressed arch, is richly decorated with vegetal motifs. At its center, the royal coat of arms with a crown stands out, flanked by an armillary sphere and the cross of the Order of Christ, emblematic elements of the era. Above the portal, a large window adds light to the nave.

On the south façade, a door also of Manueline design stands out, topped by the Cross of Christ. Above it, a late 14th or 15th-century bas-relief catches the eye: it depicts a knight of the Order of São Tiago on horseback, arrayed with helmet and armor, where scallop shells and crosses are visible on the animal's harness. In the background, a radiating sun, a crescent moon, and a star complete the scene, lending a touch of mysticism to the representation. The bell tower, with its clock visible on two faces, is topped by a bulb-shaped spire.

The Interior and Its Details

Upon entering the church, one finds a single-nave space, covered by a wooden ceiling that creates a welcoming atmosphere. Two side chapels complement the setting, each with distinct characteristics. The chancel, a central element of the temple, features an elegant stuccoed barrel vault.

On the Epistle side (to the right for those entering), a chapel opens through a Renaissance arch, decorated with geometric motifs and human figures. Above this arch, framed by columns with capitals, a frieze displays delicate fleurs-de-lis and medallions. On the Gospel side (to the left), the chapel opens with a pointed arch, contrasting with the Renaissance style on the opposite side. The interior space also features two pulpits, one of which is in Renaissance style, adding variety to the artistic composition. One of the most notable elements is the Manueline baptismal font. Carved in the 16th or 17th centuries, its octagonal base is decorated with ropes, spheres, and a ring of rosettes, testifying to the ornamental richness of the era.

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