Mother Church of Our Lady of Piety

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Setúbal > Almada > Cova da Piedade > Barrocas

Location

The Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade is located in the center of Cova da Piedade, an urban area within the municipality of Almada. Situated in Largo 5 de Outubro, in Barrocas, its location allows for easy integration into the local environment. Surrounded by more recent constructions, the church stands out in the main square of the locality, near a garden. Its churchyard, delimited by an iron railing and gate, invites approach and observation of this historic building.

Past and Evolution

The history of the Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade dates back to an earlier place of worship, a hermitage dedicated to Saint Simon, which was severely damaged by the 1755 Earthquake. The current construction, dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Piedade, was erected on the same site and completed in 1762, as can be seen from the date engraved on the interior portal of the facade. Over the centuries, the building underwent transformations, notably the expansion carried out in the 1960s, which added a side nave and altered the flooring. Initially, this place of worship was known as the Church of Nossa Senhora da Mutela, associated with the Brotherhood of Nossa Senhora da Piedade dos Milagres e da Vitória da Cova da Mutela.

Artistic and Architectural Highlights

The church's interior, with a single main nave, reveals details that deserve attention, featuring elements of Baroque and Rococo architecture in its lines. The side walls and the chancel are covered with panels of blue and white azulejos, enriched by polychrome frames. Dating from the 18th century, these azulejos illustrate scenes related to the Virgin Mary and the infancy of Jesus, such as the "Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple," "The Espousals," "The Circumcision," "The Adoration of the Magi," and "The Presentation of the Child in the Temple."

The main altar is a remarkable example of late 18th-century gilded woodcarving, framing a precious 17th-century wooden image of Nossa Senhora da Piedade. On the sides of the triumphal arch, other secondary altars feature altarpieces also in gilded woodcarving, with various images of saints. On the ceiling, visitors can observe a fresco dedicated to the church's patron saint, complementing the atmosphere of contemplation and artistic beauty of the space.

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