Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Alenquer > Meca
Located in Largo de Santa Quitéria de Meca, in the locality of Meca, municipality of Alenquer.
A remarkable example of neoclassical architecture, inspired by the Convent of Mafra and the Basilica da Estrela. Built in the late 18th century, it features a complex facade with two bell towers, Ionic pilasters, three large windows, and three front porticos.
Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1949.
In 1238, legend has it that the image of the Saint appeared at Quinta de S. Brás, where a small hermitage had previously existed.
The current church was built during the reign of D. Maria I, who financed the works. Construction was completed in 1799.
The plan is in the form of a Latin cross with a single nave and a short transept. Noteworthy are the marbles and paintings, especially the canvases on the altars of the crossing, depicting "The Last Supper" and the "Preaching of Saint John the Baptist". The nave ceiling, painted with grisaille, creates an illusion of reliefs and medallions that portray the life of Santa Quitéria.
In the upper choir, there is an organ from 1816, built by António Xavier Machado e Cerveira, currently inoperable.
One of the most important pilgrimages in the Montejunto region, with a procession and the blessing of livestock held at the cross in front of the church.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Santa_Quitéria_de_Meca
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.082520786975216,-9.034665656738456
Coordinates DMS: 39°04'57.1"N 09°02'4.8"W
Weather Meca
On-duty Pharmacy Meca
