Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Portalegre > Crato > Crato > Bairro de Pêro Filho
The church was built in the 13th century by the Order of the Hospital (or Order of Malta). Several alterations were made during the 16th century.
The facade features an oval oculus, typical of the Baroque style, and other decorative elements that reflect the influence of this artistic period.
Originally, the interior of the church was sober, as was customary in the Order of Malta. However, from the 17th century onwards, the space was enriched with more elaborate decoration, following the Baroque aesthetic.
In the main altar, a curious tabernacle stands out, placed on the chest of an eagle, with a bas-relief on the front.
The structure of the main altar is crafted in gilded wood carving, with the cross of the Order of Malta and a royal crown on top, flanked by angels.
The chapels of the Santíssimo (Most Holy) and Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Piety) were also enriched with gilded retables, as well as paintings and reliefs on the walls and ceilings, where traces of the old Gothic structures can still be seen.
The chancel is covered with blue and white tiles from the 18th century, with scenes from the life of Our Lady. Part of the nave also has similar tiles, with secular themes.
This chapel has a crowned railing and, in the center of the retable, a sculpture of the Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Piety), probably of German origin, dating from the 15th century.
Inside, you can admire some Baroque images, such as the Holy Trinity (or God Enthroned), a figure of Saint Anne (?), Christ tied to the column, and a Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of the Conception) with the Child.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.284198914777285,-7.644595578547581
Coordinates DMS: 39°17'3.1"N 07°38'40.5"W
Weather Crato
On-duty Pharmacy Crato
