Church of Our Lady of Sorrows

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Santarém > Chamusca > Chamusca > Largo da Senhora do Pranto

Location

The Church of Nossa Senhora do Pranto stands on one of the highest points in Chamusca, in the square that bears its name. Its position, isolated on top of an elevation to the east of the village, allows for a wide observation of the surroundings. From its churchyard, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Chamusca's houses, the vast floodplain (lezíria), and the course of the Tejo River.

In the churchyard in front of the church, there is a stone cross, and from this spot, a set of narrow staircases, adorned with flower boxes, gently descend towards the lower part of the village.

Brief History and Trajectory

The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pranto dates back to the late 17th century, although its primitive Chapel of São José is even older, dating from the early 17th century. The main body of the temple, as we know it, began to take shape at the turn of the 18th century, with significant interventions that took place between 1739 and 1747, when its interior was greatly enriched.

In 1835, the ownership of the church and its responsibilities passed to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Holy House of Mercy), marking a new phase in its preservation and use as a place of worship and devotion.

Artistic and Architectural Heritage

The exterior of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pranto features a popular architectural style, with a simple facade and a discreet bell tower. However, its interior reveals a remarkable contrast, functioning as a true repository of Portuguese Baroque art, with emphasis on its rich collection of azulejos (tiles).

The space is divided into three main areas: the central nave, which culminates in the chancel, the Chapel of São José, and the sacristy, also known as the Chapel of Senhor dos Aflitos.

In the central nave, the walls are entirely covered with blue and white azulejos, dating from the early 18th century. These panels feature floral motifs, vases, birds, and other individual representations, giving a distinct atmosphere to the space. The nave is covered by a barrel vault.

The chancel, separated from the nave by a triumphal arch, is adorned with large azulejo panels, also in shades of blue and white, from the same century, illustrating biblical scenes such as the Circumcision of Jesus and the Child Jesus among the Doctors of the Temple. Its main altar features expressive Joanine gilded carving against a white background, highlighting the image of the patron saint, Nossa Senhora do Pranto, from the early 17th century.

The Chapel of São José is distinguished by having its walls entirely covered by six figurative azulejo panels. These panels, contemporary with those in the chancel, depict passages from the life of Saint Joseph, such as the Holy Family in the carpenter's workshop or the Adoration of the Shepherds. The ornamental dados of the panels show figures of boys with instruments alluding to prayer.

In turn, the Chapel of Senhor dos Aflitos, which functions as a sacristy, contains a wainscot of 17th-century polychrome azulejos, decorated with cross motifs, and an 18th-century gilded carving altar. The temple also houses other prominent sacred images, such as those of São José, São Joaquim (with the Virgin on his lap), and Santa Ana, dating from the 18th century and attributed to the Spanish School.

Legends and Curiosities

Associated with the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pranto, there is a popular legend dating back to the French invasions in the early 19th century. It is said that, with the approach of Napoleonic troops, the population of Chamusca allegedly flocked to the primitive Chapel of São José, promising to build a new one if the village were spared. Allegedly, the Tejo River miraculously rose, preventing the invaders' crossing, who, in retaliation, fired cannonballs at the village. In gratitude for the protection received, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pranto was then erected.

As direct testimony to this episode, one of the cannonballs fired by the French in 1807 is displayed in the sacristy of the Chapel of São José.

Inside the church, it is possible to find a statuette of Santa Luzia (Saint Lucy), sometimes adorned with small silver eyes. These were offerings from the faithful who, out of devotion, thanked the saint for cures or improvements related to vision, associating with the tradition of her iconography.

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