Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Portalegre > Elvas > Elvas > Bairro da Piedade
Located in the city of Elvas, specifically in the parish of Assunção, Ajuda, Salvador and Santo Ildefonso, in the Piedade Park, in the district of Portalegre.
The original church was built in 1737 by initiative of Father Manuel Antunes, on the site where there used to be a wooden cross marking the death of a farmer from Torre das Arcas.
The current church began to be erected in 1753, with the project of João Fernandes. The construction was completed in 1754, but underwent several expansions until 1779.
The church is a remarkable example of the Baroque style, typical of the reign of D. João V. The exterior stands out for its two towers with bulb-shaped domes and a pediment with the inscription "Snr. Jesus da Piedade".
The churchyard, or space in front of the church, was designed to welcome pilgrims. The walls of this space are covered with 18th-century tiles, a detail much appreciated by visitors.
The interior consists of a single nave, with a marble chancel, as well as two side altars also in marble, from the 18th century. The paintings on the altars are by Cyrillo Volkmar Machado and depict Our Lady of Grace and the Repentance of Saint Peter.
Some of the church's dependencies, except for the sacristy, function as a small museum where ex-votos (offerings of gratitude) dedicated to Senhor Jesus da Piedade are exhibited.
The Sanctuary was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 2014, which reinforces its historical and cultural value.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santuário_do_Senhor_Jesus_da_Piedade
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.8727114220681,-7.178719940465504
Coordinates DMS: 38°52'21.8"N 07°10'43.4"W
Weather Elvas
On-duty Pharmacy Elvas
