Church of Our Lady of Atalaia or Mother Church of Fronteira

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Portalegre > Fronteira > Fronteira > Centro

Location and Classification

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Atalaia is located in the town of Fronteira, in the municipality of Fronteira, district of Portalegre, in the Alentejo region. It has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1946.

History and Construction

Ordered to be built in 1571 by charter of King Sebastian I, the church was completed in 1599 under the guidance of Commander D. Lucas de Portugal. Over time, it underwent several expansions and restorations, mainly until the mid-20th century.

Facade and Exterior

The facade is composed of three sections. In the central part, there is a galilee (open portico), while on the sides stand two square bell towers, painted in white and blue. These towers are adorned with statues of birds at the top.

Interior and Decoration

The interior of the church has three naves supported by ashlar pillars, with round vaults. Among the works of art inside, noteworthy are 16th-century Mannerist paintings, marble altarpieces, and the altar of São Luís in gilded carving. In addition, there are several polychrome wooden images from the 17th and 18th centuries dedicated to saints such as Nossa Senhora da Atalaia, São Miguel, and Santo António.

Artists and Ornaments

The interior decoration included the collaboration of masters such as the painter Diogo Bernardes and the carpenter Gaspar Pereira, both brought from Lisbon by D. Lucas de Portugal.

Chapel of São Luís

Built between 1733 and 1760, the Chapel of São Luís was financed by Frei Luís Matinca, whose marble inscription can be seen next to the altar.

Demolition of the Zimbório

In 1789, the zimbório that stood above the chancel was demolished. This structure had a mirror that reflected light into the interior of the chapel, which at the time had no windows.

Nossa Senhora da Atalaia

The devotion to Nossa Senhora da Atalaia is linked to an old watchtower, or atalaia, which existed in front of the church until 1791. The current image of the saint was placed on the altar in 1780, offered by Commander D. José de Portugal.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_Matriz_de_Fronteira

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