Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Setúbal > Santiago do Cacém > Cercal
The Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição stands in the locality of Cercal, part of the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. It is located in the Zeca Afonso neighborhood, where it stands out as a central point, isolated in a walled and landscaped churchyard next to a square, giving it a notable presence in the urban environment.
Dating from the early 16th century, the Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição reveals a fascinating architectural evolution, blending elements of the original Manueline style with Baroque and Neo-Gothic additions throughout the centuries. This combination of styles gives it a unique identity. Its chancel, with a rare semi-octagonal shape, is a high-quality constructive detail and a highlight in the architecture of Baixo Alentejo. The church is recognized as a Monument of Public Interest, underscoring its patrimonial value.
Upon entering the church's interior, the eye is drawn to the remarkable main altarpiece, a work of gilded and polychrome carving in the national style. At its center, a grand canvas painted by Bento Coelho da Silveira depicts Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of Conception). The rib-vaults of the chancel, with their corbels and carved keystones, display a rich and elaborate vegetal decoration. The side chapels also feature carved altarpieces, and one of them, on the Gospel side, has a rib-vault with carved keystones similar to those of the parish church of Santiago do Cacém. Outside, the ogival portal of the main façade and the bell tower, with its sundial, also deserve the attention of visitors.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.8022134,-8.6745288
Coordinates DMS: 37°48'8.0"N 08°40'28.3"W
Weather Cercal
On-duty Pharmacy Cercal
