Martyr Saint Core

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Vila Franca de Xira > Vila Franca de Xira > Quinta do Bolhão

Location

This nucleus is located in the town of Vila Franca de Xira. It is integrated into an old architectural complex, where the Church of Saint Sebastian the Martyr is located. It is situated on Rua Dr. Miguel Bombarda, fitting into an area with a historical character that defines this part of the town.

Origin and History of the Building

The Church, which is part of this nucleus, has a history dating back to the 16th century. It was founded in 1576 by the wish of King D. Sebastião, as fulfillment of a vow made after the Great Plague of 1569.

The original building suffered significant damage during the 1755 earthquake. The construction we can observe today corresponds to a reconstruction that was carried out in the second half of the 18th Century, maintaining its historical relevance throughout the centuries.

Notable Elements

Inside the church, next to the altar area (chancel), there is a particular fountain. This fountain has a bas-relief tombstone at the top, featuring the armillary sphere and the crowned Portuguese royal coat of arms, symbols associated with King D. Sebastião and the founding of the temple.

In the exterior space, in the churchyard and near the entrance to the nucleus, a stone coat of arms with the insignia of D. João VI is displayed. This piece was brought from the old Palácio dos Sousas. Inside the temple, it is also possible to observe a passage that belonged to an old water conduit dating back to the 18th Century.

The Museum Space

The Saint Martyr Nucleus functions as a museum space, inaugurated in 2001. Its main function is to display and make accessible to the public a variety of historical and artistic assets and pieces.

Through the exhibitions on display here, visitors can appreciate various objects that bear witness to local traditions and devotion. The nucleus allows one to discover a selection of works and artifacts that are part of the collection of the Municipal Museum of Vila Franca de Xira, highlighting the richness of the region's heritage.

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