Church of Saint John de Brito

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Alvalade > São João de Brito

Location:

The Church of São João de Brito stands in the parish of Alvalade, in Lisbon, within the urban area of São João de Brito. It is located at the top of Avenida da Igreja (Church Avenue), a central thoroughfare that organizes part of this planned residential area. Its position offers a clear landmark in the neighborhood's landscape, integrating into a well-established urban environment.

Architecture and Recent History:

This religious building was designed by the architect Vasco de Morais Palmeiro, with its construction taking place between 1952 and 1955. The main facade features a gable shape, characteristic of its era. At its center, a window with diamond-patterned panes and the statue of São João de Brito, the church's patron saint, are the most visible elements. Above the statue, the coat of arms of the Cardinal-Patriarch of Lisbon can be observed. At the highest point of the facade, an iron cross approximately five meters high completes the architectural composition.

Artistic Details and Heritage:

The church's interior follows a Latin cross plan, with a single nave and a barrel vault ceiling. The walls are adorned with polychrome tile wainscoting, bringing color and detail to the space. At various points, there are pedestals with ceramic statuary. A particular aspect of the church's heritage is the preservation of artistic elements from the demolished Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Nova (Our Lady of the New Conception), including three altarpieces, a crucifix, and an image of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which enrich the site's collection.

Cultural Significance:

Beyond its role as a center for the parish community, the Church of São João de Brito holds cultural relevance that extends beyond local boundaries. It is from this temple that, on Sundays, the Eucharist is broadcast by RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal, Portuguese Radio and Television), reaching faithful across the country and abroad. This particularity gives the church a unique prominence in the Portuguese religious and social landscape.

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