Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Portalegre > Arronches > Arronches > Assunção
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, located in Arronches, is situated in Praça da República, the heart of the village. Its central and isolated position in the main public space gives it a remarkable presence in the urban landscape of the parish of Assunção, inviting contemplation of its exterior before exploring the interior.
The history of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Arronches dates back to the early 16th century, when the building we know today was erected. However, its roots are even older, with records of the laying of the first stone of a primitive church on the same site as early as the 13th century, around 1236. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the church was enriched with decorative and architectural elements that complemented its original design, resulting in the richness it presents today.
The architecture of this church is a notable example of the "hall church" type, characterized by its three interior naves rising to the same height, without marked separations, creating a sense of spaciousness and spatial unity. The main facade, facing west and preceded by a staircase, stands out for its Renaissance round-arched portal, adorned with cherubs, pilasters, and medallions with busts of warriors. An upper frieze displays the inscription "PARAISO PARA SEMPRE INFERNO PARA SEMPRE" (HEAVEN FOREVER HELL FOREVER), adding a touch of mystery. Laterally, an imposing square-section bell tower rises, crowned by a pyramidal spire, which adds verticality to the ensemble.
Upon entering, one discovers a wider central nave, flanked by two side naves, all covered by a uniform rib vault. In the keystone of this vault, symbols such as the Cross of Christ, the armillary sphere, and the coats of arms of Portugal reveal its historical importance. The main altar, in white and black marble, displays gilded rocaille ornamentation, highlighting the patron saint, Our Lady of the Assumption. In the collateral chapels, one can observe patterned tile panels, a gilded carved altar dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, and, opposite, a Renaissance marble tomb. A pulpit attached to one of the columns and a Baroque baptismal font, carved in the Mannerist taste, complete the experience, inviting the observation of the details and the craftsmanship of the artisans.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.1218798,-7.2853813
Coordinates DMS: 39°07'18.8"N 07°17'7.4"W
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