Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Santarém > Chamusca > Chamusca > Chamusca e Pinheiro Grande
Situated in the picturesque village of Chamusca, in the heart of the Santarém district, the Former Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis stands as a striking feature in the town's urban fabric. Its presence in the village underscores the importance it once held in the religious and social life of the community.
This unique building originated in the 18th century, having been built to serve as the headquarters of the Third Order of Penance, an institution established in the village in 1733. The church's construction work began in 1741 and extended over a long period, only being completed in 1790. During these decades, the construction process faced significant challenges, including financial difficulties and legal disputes that caused considerable delays.
With the extinction of the Third Order in 1898, the building's ownership was transferred to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia. Later, in 1912, the space was adapted to function as an asylum, a transformation that resulted in the loss of part of its original layout. Currently, the Former Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis serves a new function as the Chamusca Congress Centre, adapting to the contemporary needs of the village.
Its historical and cultural importance is officially recognized, having been classified as a Property of Public Interest (IIP) since 2012, as per Ordinance No. 735/2012, published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, No. 224, on November 20, 2012.
The architecture of the Former Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis still reveals distinctive elements from its past. On the exterior, it retains its galilee, characterized by three arches, an architectural feature that became typical of Franciscan churches in Portugal. The bell tower, dating from 1775, preserves its original bell, which bears a valuable historical inscription. It is noteworthy that the stone cross that once adorned the facade was moved in 1947.
The temple's interior, despite the adaptations it has undergone over time, once featured a prominent main altar, complemented by secondary altars and four side chapels. During restoration work, the vaulted ceiling of the nave was rediscovered, which displays painted decorative motifs, revealing the original artistic richness of the space. Furthermore, some of the walls still preserve traces of old frescoes, testaments to the building's initial ornamentation.
Among the important religious images that once filled this space, the figure of Saint Francis, dated 1773, and that of Our Lady of the Conception stand out, both of significant historical and artistic value.
Until the 19th century, the Former Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis was a nerve centre of the religious life of the Chamusca community. It was the stage for important celebrations, such as the festivals in honour of Saint Francis and Queen Saint Isabel, as well as solemn processions that marked the local liturgical calendar. Despite its multiple transformations and adaptations, the building has managed to preserve original elements that attest to its invaluable historical and cultural worth, continuing to be a link to the village's past.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_dos_Terceiros_de_São_Francisco_(Chamusca)
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.35618274566604,-8.4803586397954
Coordinates DMS: 39°21'22.3"N 08°28'49.3"W
Weather Chamusca
On-duty Pharmacy Chamusca
