Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Portalegre > Gavião > Comenda > Centro
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça is located in the heart of the locality of Comenda, in the municipality of Gavião. Integrated into the central area, this religious building is harmoniously inserted into the urban fabric, flanked by buildings of traditional volume that compose the characteristic environment of the area. Its central position makes it a landmark and easily accessible for those exploring the locality.
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça presents a notable classical appearance. Its original conception dates back to the 16th century, with works and alterations extending through the subsequent centuries. The building has a longitudinal plan with a single nave, flanked by intercommunicating side chapels, two of which function as a transept. The chancel, of square proportions, maintains the same width as the nave, lending great formal coherence to the ensemble. The nave's ceiling is a quartered barrel vault, a constructive element that contributes to its interior grandeur.
The church's main facade is marked by its sobriety, built in smooth ashlar and raised on a platform accessible by a flight of steps. Divided into two registers by a cornice, it culminates in a triangular pediment. The central portal, with a rectangular opening, is flanked by Tuscan columns and topped by a niche housing a sculpture of the Virgin and Child. Above the portal, a large central window dominates the second register, while the pediment displays coats of arms with royal motifs. Laterally, a bell tower with round-arched bell openings stands out.
Inside, the church reveals an artistic richness that deserves attention. The nave is bathed in natural light entering through the large windows of the facade and the side windows. The side chapels, three on each side, house gilded carved altarpieces, creating an environment of great splendor. The main altarpiece, in gilded carving, rests on a stone plinth and is composed of three architectural bodies with Corinthian columns, framing panels illustrating the Life of the Virgin. The transept chapels also feature gilded carved altarpieces with solomonic columns and central niches with sculptures, while the nave chapels display carved altarpieces with fronts simulating marbling.
The floors, tiered in three levels, guide the visitor's gaze. The nave walls are partially covered by a wainscoting of patterned tiles in white, blue, and yellow, a traditional decorative element of Portuguese art. The sacristy, a generously sized and tall space, is covered by a barrel vault with transverse arches, and its walls are also decorated with tiles. Among the singular elements of the artistic collection are also the chestnut wood choir stalls in the high choir and the mention of a pipe organ, elements that, when fully functional, contribute to the solemn atmosphere of the space.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.3976273,-7.7840028
Coordinates DMS: 39°23'51.5"N 07°47'2.4"W
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