Salvador de Sines Main Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Setúbal > Sines > Sines > Bairro 1º de Maio

Location

Situated in the heart of the city of Sines, the Mother Church of the Saviour (Igreja Matriz do Salvador) is located in the Bairro 1º de Maio, an area with a strong sense of community and history. Its location makes it a prominent feature in the urban landscape, offering a perspective on local life and inviting a pause for contemplation in the atmosphere of this Alentejo town.

Historical Background

The history of the Mother Church of the Saviour of Sines dates back to the Middle Ages, evidencing a continuous religious presence at this site. In the early 18th century, the growth of the Sines community justified a major remodelling of the temple, which began in the 1730s. This intervention gave it the architectural lines admired today, typical of the exuberant Joanine Baroque style. Despite the damage suffered during the great 1755 Earthquake, the church was restored, maintaining its identity and sturdiness. It is currently classified as a Monument of Public Interest, a recognition of its heritage value and its importance in the Portuguese cultural landscape.

Artistic and Architectural Richness

When contemplating the Mother Church of the Saviour, one observes an architecture that reflects the magnificence of the Joanine Baroque, although its main façade displays the sobriety of the estilo chão (plain style). Inside, the temple consists of a single nave, flanked by several side chapels. These chapels are true treasures, housing magnificently crafted altarpieces in polychrome talha dourada (gilded woodcarving), which combine the exuberance of the Baroque with the elegance of Neoclassicism. The walls are covered with 18th-century figurative tiles, which capture the eye with representations of the Four Evangelists, the Saviour of the World, and a Eucharistic allegory. The main altar, with its 19th-century altarpiece and the tabernacle of the Blessed Sacrament, invites contemplation. On the ceiling, a panel by Emmerico Nunes stands out, complementing the artistic richness of the space, which also houses various sacred images honouring Saint John the Baptist, Our Lady of Grace, Saint Catherine, and the Lord Jesus of the Souls.

Subterranean Testimony

The historical importance of this site is not limited to the visible structure of the church. Archaeological excavations carried out in the surrounding area have revealed fascinating layers of the past. Remains of an ancient necropolis, used between the 13th and 17th centuries, were discovered, offering a rare glimpse into the funerary practices and community life of past eras. The presence of Roman artefacts at the same site suggests a rich and continuous human occupation, making the ground beneath our feet a true testament to the passage of time and the different civilizations that have inhabited this region.

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