Parochial Church of Barbacena / Church of Our Lady of Grace

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Portalegre > Elvas > Barbacena > Largo da Igreja Matriz

Location

Located in the heart of Barbacena, in the municipality of Elvas, the Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça is situated in Largo da Igreja Matriz. The building stands isolated in the urban fabric, surrounded by a road, and features a small paved churchyard in front of the main façade, protected by an iron railing. On the right side, a walled patio with access through an iron gate complements its surroundings.

A Centenary History

The history of the Parish Church of Barbacena dates back to the 13th century, with its original foundation in 1251, at the initiative of Chancellor D. Esteves Anes. However, the structure observed today is largely the result of significant reconstructions. In the 18th century, the church suffered almost total ruin, but was reborn, with the chancel and the main body gaining the form that still remains.

More recently, in 1966, the nave's vault collapsed, requiring a new phase of works. After these renovation works, the church was reopened for worship in 1973, marking another chapter in its long existence. Inside the temple, a commemorative plaque commemorates the foundation and subsequent interventions, while another recalls the institution of masses in memory of D. Jorge Anriquez.

Architecture and Artistic Details

This church reveals a fascinating dialogue between the Renaissance and Baroque styles. On the main façade, of Renaissance design, the marble portal stands out with a plain lintel and cornice, above which a large window opens. The materials, such as plastered masonry and marble frames of the doors and windows, give the exterior a notable presence in the locality.

Inside, the space is differentiated, composed of a high choir, a single nave, and a chancel. The nave is covered by a vault and flanked by side chapels, created by granite arches. A marble baptismal font and a circular pulpit, also in white marble, with its balustrade, enrich the nave area.

The focal point is, without a doubt, the main altarpiece of the chancel, a sumptuous piece of black and white marble, distinctly Baroque. Its recessed plan, the central shrine and the throne are supported by columns with Corinthian capitals, topped by a curvilinear pediment adorned with a winged angel's head. The chancel floor, in mosaic, features floral motifs, and on the walls, a glazed box displays the image of the Dead Christ. The noble materials, such as marble and granite, used in its structural and decorative elements, emphasize the importance and beauty of this temple.

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