Church of Saint Michael

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > São Miguel

Location:

Situated in the heart of Lisbon's historic Alfama district, the Church of São Miguel is located in Largo de São Miguel, a space that exudes the characteristic soul of this ancient area. The neighborhood, known for its narrow and labyrinthine streets, embraces the church, which rises on a small elevation, standing out in the urban fabric of typical houses. This positioning allows for complete immersion in the authentic atmosphere of Lisbon, where tradition and history meet at every corner.

A History of Resilience and Art:

The history of the Church of São Miguel dates back to the very beginnings of Portuguese nationality, with its original foundation in the 12th century. However, the structure we contemplate today is the result of a profound rebuilding that took place between 1673 and 1720. This process transformed the temple, giving it the Mannerist and Baroque features that define it. The church survived the devastating earthquake of 1755, which caused significant damage in Lisbon, and was quickly repaired. Its historical and artistic value was recognized in 1982, when it was classified as a Property of Public Interest.

The Interior Splendor:

Upon entering the Church of São Miguel, the richness of its interior immediately captivates. The single nave, characteristic of Portuguese religious architecture, guides the gaze to the main chapel, a true highlight of the ensemble. This space dazzles with its profusion of gilded wood carving, a remarkable example of the Joanine style, with richly ornamented niches, altarpieces, and a throne featuring Solomonic columns, volutes, and figures of angels and atlantes. The walls of the nave are adorned with sixteen framed canvases in wood carving, depicting biblical scenes. The wooden ceiling of the nave, in turn, displays fifteen painted panels, alluding to Eucharistic emblems and angelic figures, while the ceiling of the main chapel simulates a vault with medallions and evangelical symbols.

Artistic and Architectural Details:

The church's façade, with its pronounced verticality, presents a robust and symmetrical style, with two bell towers, whose bulbous spires are a distinctive element. Although the exterior is largely white and of simple lines, it does not lack its charms, such as a historic tile panel from the 18th century. This panel, dated from the 1770s, illustrates Our Lady of the Rosary with the Child Jesus, flanked by Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena, all framed by a floral pattern in yellow tones, typical of the Rococo period. Inside, some canvases are attributed to Bento Coelho da Silveira, court painter to King D. Pedro II, and the ceiling paintings to José Ferreira de Araújo, further enriching the artistic legacy of this space.

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