Church of Bonfim

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Portalegre > Portalegre > Portalegre > Areeiro

Location

The Bonfim Church is located in the parish of Sé e São Lourenço, in the city of Portalegre, in the District of Portalegre.

Classification

Since 1970, the church has been considered a Property of Public Interest.

History

- In 1614, D. Diogo Correia, the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Portalegre, lived on a nearby farm, known as "Quinta do Bispo" (Bishop's Farm). He created an image of "Ecce Homo" that was placed on the farm.

- In 1714, devotees decided to give form to the image and built a small niche, which became the Bonfim Church, protected by the wife of João V, receiving the title of "Royal Church of Bonfim".

- The first stone of the church was laid on December 21, 1721, by D. Álvaro Pires de Castro Noronha.

- The image of Senhor Jesus do Bonfim (Lord Jesus of Bonfim) was transferred from Quinta do Bispo to the new church on February 4, 1723, during a procession.

Features

- The church has altars dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto, Senhor do Bonfim (Lord of Bonfim) and Our Lady of Amparo.

- The interior features rich decoration with carvings and valuable paintings.

Events

- In 1852, the church underwent restoration.

- The Bonfim Church is an important place for pilgrimages and celebrations, with the Senhor do Bonfim (Lord of Bonfim) festivities taking place on the last Sunday of September.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_do_Bonfim_(Portalegre)

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