Category: Religious Architecture > Sanctuary
District: Portalegre > Elvas > Elvas > Bairro da Piedade
The Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Piedade is situated on the outskirts of the city of Elvas, in the area known as Bairro da Piedade. This place of worship is harmoniously integrated into the vast Piedade Park, offering visitors a spacious and tranquil environment. Access to the sanctuary is made via a remarkable walled staircase with three flights, which leads to its inviting churchyard.
The history of this sanctuary dates back to 1737, when a primitive chapel was erected on the initiative of Father Manuel Antunes. Tradition holds that the miraculous cures that occurred there, including that of the parish priest himself, gave rise to a profound cult that quickly spread throughout Elvas and its surroundings. The current church, a testament to the growing influx of the faithful, began to be built in 1753, being completed a few years later, in 1754, with some subsequent enlargements until 1779. The Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Piedade is today recognized as a Property of Public Interest, underscoring its patrimonial importance.
This sanctuary stands out as a notable example of 18th-century religious architecture, presenting a Baroque style with unique characteristics. Its conception mixes Portuguese architectural tradition with visible influences from Central Europe and even Brazil. On the exterior, one can appreciate two towers topped by bulbous domes, an unusual detail in Portugal, and a masonry pediment with the inscription of the patron saint. The churchyard is enriched by an 18th-century tile cladding. Inside, the single nave leads to a chancel and two side altars, all in 18th-century marble, adorned by beautiful canvases painted by Cyrillo Volkmar Machado, which depict “Our Lady of Grace” and the “Repentance of Saint Peter”.
The sanctuary's surroundings are marked by the vast Piedade Park, a green space designed to complement religious celebrations and provide a welcoming environment. This park, with its ample open areas, includes a long avenue shaded by plane trees, a garden with an organically shaped pond, and wooded areas that invite repose. It is a place valued by the people of Elvas for its beauty and the tranquility it offers, being ideal for a calm stroll and moments of relaxed socializing.
In addition to its architectural beauty and serene atmosphere, the Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Piedade houses a valuable cultural collection in its sacristy. There, a small museum nucleus holds an impressive collection of thousands of ex-votos, testimonials of faith and gratitude dating from 1737 to the present day. This collection offers a unique perspective on popular devotion and local history. The sanctuary is also the heart of the annual celebrations of the São Mateus Pilgrimage, namely the emotional Procession of the Banners, which annually gathers thousands of people in an act of profound faith and tradition.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.872547481818, -7.1789717272727
Coordinates DMS: 38°52'21.2"N 07°10'44.3"W
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