Church of Saint Alexis

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Portalegre > Monforte > Santo Aleixo

Location

The Church of Santo Aleixo is located in the centre of the village of Santo Aleixo, in the municipality of Monforte. Its position is fundamental to the history and identity of the village, as the urban fabric developed and delineated around this temple over the centuries. Visiting the church allows one to understand a little of the original structure of this Alentejo community.

Historical Origins

This religious building has deep roots in the past, probably dating back to the early 16th century. The oldest known documentary reference to the church is found in a parish book dated 1524. A few years later, in 1534, a document records an order from the Archbishop of Évora to carry out roof repairs, which attests to the existence and importance of the temple already at that time.

Architecture and Evolution

The church features a single-nave configuration and the ceiling is covered by vaults. Inside, one of the aspects to note is the presence of twelve sacred images. The current appearance of the building is the result of various interventions that have occurred over time, adapting and renovating the space. The most significant works that shaped its most recent form took place during the 1950s and 1960s.

A Local Landmark

Throughout history, the Church of Santo Aleixo has played a central role in the life of the community that gave it its name. It continues to be an active place of worship and devotion for local inhabitants, maintaining its relevance beyond its historical and architectural value. It represents a fundamental point of reference in the landscape and culture of the village.

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