Holy House of Mercy of Póvoa de Varzim

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Póvoa de Varzim > Póvoa de Varzim > Nova Sintra

Location

The Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Póvoa de Varzim is located in the Nova Sintra area, an urban zone in the city of Póvoa de Varzim. The complex, which includes its church, is situated in Largo das Dores, a significant point in the local urban fabric. It stands out prominently, especially when viewed along the Avenida Mouzinho de Albuquerque, due to the imposing nature of its main facade.

A History of Care and Community

Founded in May 1756, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Póvoa de Varzim represents a long and continuous history of dedication in the social and health sectors. For over two and a half centuries, this institution has played a fundamental role in the life of the Poveira community, establishing itself as a reference in local solidarity. Its creation resulted from the diligence of the Municipal Council and the financial support of Maria Fernandes da Vila Velha, a testament to the spirit of mutual aid that endures to this day.

The Church of Misericórdia: Art and Architecture

The Santa Casa complex includes a remarkable church, whose modern construction began in 1909, after the demolition of the previous temple, with the aim of creating a larger space. Designed by the architect Arnaldo Redondo Adães Bermudes, a prominent figure in 20th-century architectural revivalism in Portugal, the church exhibits a revivalist style of religious architecture. On its main facade, oriented south, we can observe a triple portico with Doric columns, which rises over a staircase. Elements of neoclassical vocabulary also stand out, such as friezes, prominent entablatures, pediments, and volutes, which give the building a grand and harmonious appearance. For its construction, stone from the old mother church of the village was used, providing a tangible link to the past.

Artistic Richness of the Interior

The interior of the Church of Misericórdia reveals a space of great artistic richness. The single nave, preceded by a choir loft, displays walls modulated by pilasters with decorated capitals. Along the side walls, varnished and gilded altarpieces are observed, inserted into perfect arches, housing various pieces of statuary. In the choir loft, there is a pipe organ with a carved wooden case, adding to the solemnity of the space. The chancel, in turn, features continuous balconies and a main altarpiece with statuary, framed by double columns, echoing the aesthetic of the other altars.

The Cultural Legacy in the Museum

Within the Santa Casa da Misericórdia complex, there is a museum that safeguards part of its valuable historical and artistic collection. Visitors can discover works of cultural and religious significance. Among the most relevant pieces is a 16th-century oil painting of the Pietà, attributed to the School of Luis de Morales, which reflects Italian and Flemish artistic influences. Equally noteworthy is the Ex-voto of Senhor da Prisão, an 1817 painting originating from the former Church of Santa Maria de Varzim, and a 16th or 17th-century image of Saint Anthony of Padua or Lisbon, distinguished by its peculiar iconography.

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