Grace Mother Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Leiria > Pedrógão Grande > Graça > Pereira

Location

Located in the tranquil village of Graça, within the Pereira area, in the municipality of Pedrógão Grande, the Mother Church of Graça stands as a central landmark in the landscape. Its position offers visitors an authentic perspective of the rural and calm environment of this region in central Portugal, inviting a moment of pause and contemplation.

Origin and Reconstruction

The history of the Mother Church of Graça dates back to an initial period of Romanesque influence, although its current appearance primarily reflects significant reconstruction works that took place during the Renaissance, between the years 1517 and 1539. This phase of profound renovation shaped the building, imbuing it with the architectural characteristics observed today, where the solidity of its foundations meets the elegance and proportions of Renaissance art.

Exterior Aesthetics

The church facade, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, is one of its most distinctive features, displaying characteristic symmetry and robustness. On the ground floor, the portal is highlighted by three gracefully ornamented arches with rosettes, inviting entry. Above, a simpler intermediate floor, corresponding to the choir area, features a discreet circular opening. Its robust tower, divided into three parts, culminates with an upper level where the bell arches open. The ensemble is crowned by a dome covered with imbricated tiles, topped by a weathervane that projects into the local sky.

The Interior and Artistic Heritage

Inside, the Mother Church of Graça reveals a space of harmony and detail. It is composed of three naves, divided into four bays, connected by full-arch arches, supported by ten columns with Ionic capitals. The entrance to the chancel is flanked by two collateral altars, each with artistic peculiarities. On the Gospel side, a wooden sculpture of a Crucified Christ stands out. On the Epistle side, among other pieces, a valuable 16th-century polychrome stone sculpture representing the Holy Spirit stands out, accompanied by the image of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Elements of Historical Value

The church preserves a collection of elements of significant historical and artistic value. The Renaissance pulpit from 1536, sculpted in the shape of a chalice with detailed carvings, is one of the most notable pieces. On the floor, there are tombstones with sepulchral inscriptions dating back to the 17th century, bearing witness to the passage of time and the generations that lived here. Furthermore, special attention should be paid to the sculptures that were part of the old main altarpiece, namely the images of Our Lady of the Assumption and the statues of the four evangelists, works from the Renaissance period attributed to the workshop of João de Ruão.

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