Church of Mercy of Ericeira

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Mafra > Ericeira > Centro Histórico

Location

Situated in the heart of Ericeira's historic center, the Church of Mercy (Igreja da Misericórdia) is integrated into the oldest urban fabric of the village. Its position, to the east of Praia dos Pescadores, marks a place that was once a central point of power and community life. It is an imposing building, easily identifiable, which invites a tranquil stroll through the surrounding streets of Ericeira, in the municipality of Mafra.

A Building with Deep Roots

The history of the Church of Mercy dates back to the 17th century. Its construction began after the donation of the primitive Chapel of the Holy Spirit in 1678 by the Ericeira Municipal Council to Francisco Lopes Franco. This nobleman, with the active collaboration of local fishermen, took on the responsibility of erecting the new temple. Francisco Lopes Franco himself, a central figure in the founding of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Ericeira, was buried on this site in 1682, demonstrating the deep connection between the benefactor and the church.

Architecture and Exterior Highlights

The Church of Mercy exhibits an architecture transitional between the 17th and 18th centuries, with a remarkably simple exterior. Its main facade, facing west, features a sober portal with a straight lintel, flanked by classical pilasters. Above, a window with a triangular pediment provides light to the interior. To the left, the bell tower stands out, with three registers, crowned by an unusual bulbous dome. Despite the exterior austerity, this harmonious ensemble reflects the typology of churches in the region.

The Interior and Artistic Expression

The interior of the temple reveals an artistic richness that contrasts with the facade. The single nave culminates in a slightly elevated chancel. One of the most striking aspects is the painted wooden ceiling, dating from the mid-18th century, with coffers depicting the Works of Mercy, both corporal and spiritual, and the Seven Sacraments. These paintings are attributed to Manuel António de Góis and Sebastião de Carvalho. The nave walls are embellished with 19th-century tile panels in blue and white tones, complemented by decorative mural painting that imitates architectural and floral elements, the work of the 19th-century artist Joaquim José da Costa Durão Padilha.

In the chancel, the main gilded altarpiece, designed by master woodcarver José de Oliveira, is a point of great attraction. It houses the image of Our Lady of the Rosary, patron saint of Ericeira's most important confraternity, and is flanked by oil paintings depicting the Visitation and Our Lady of Mercy. The side chapels are also noteworthy, with their equally gilded altarpieces dedicated to the Senhor dos Passos, Saint Anthony, and Santo Cristo. The choir loft, supported by Ionic columns, and the polychrome marble pulpit with gilded carvings, add further layers to its interior beauty.

An element of special significance are the nine banners of the Passion of Christ, some from the early 18th century, found in the church, which traditionally participate in the Procession of the Torches (Procissão dos Fogaréus), a ritual of great symbolism for the local community on Holy Thursday. In the annexes to the church, which in the past served as an albergue and hospital, a museum space is now housed, complementing the visit and revealing part of the history of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia.

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