Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Setúbal > Alcácer do Sal > Santa Susana > Herdade de Alápega de Baixo
The Church of Santa Susana is strategically located in the locality of Santa Susana, nestled within the vast Herdade de Alápega de Baixo estate, in the municipality of Alcácer do Sal, Setúbal district. This location provides it with an atmosphere of serenity and isolation characteristic of the Alentejo coast. The monument is framed by a rural landscape that invites tranquility and contemplation, reflecting the essence of Portuguese country life.
Its presence in this bucolic setting underscores the deep connection between faith, community, and the land, in a corner where time seems to slow down. Upon visiting the church, visitors are enveloped by the calm of the rural environment, far from the hustle and bustle of large urban centers.
As an example of rural religious architecture, the Church of Santa Susana is distinguished by its simplicity and harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape. It is often characterized by stripped-down lines and a sobriety that highlights its primary function as a space for worship and reflection. It is common to observe in churches of this typology and location the use of local materials and an aesthetic that prioritizes functionality over excessive ornamentation.
Its façade, typically whitewashed, stands out against the blue Alentejo sky, and is likely to include traditional elements such as a modest main portal and a bell tower or belfry that punctuates the building's silhouette, marking its discreet but significant presence on the estate.
The Church of Santa Susana, although perhaps without extensive publicly known historical records, represents an important link to local history and the devotion of rural communities. These churches were, and many still are, the heart of small villages and estates, serving as a spiritual and social gathering point for their inhabitants.
Its existence bears witness to the resilience of faith and traditions throughout time, playing a fundamental role in daily life and in the religious rituals that marked the annual calendar. The temple is, thus, a symbol of identity and the perseverance of a community rooted in the land.
The environment surrounding the Church of Santa Susana is of an intrinsically rural and restful beauty. Located in Herdade de Alápega de Baixo, it offers visitors the opportunity to experience the authenticity of the deep Alentejo. The views from the site encompass undulating landscapes, punctuated by cork oaks and holm oaks, characteristic elements of this ecosystem.
This natural setting, combined with the atmosphere of peace emanating from the religious building, creates an ideal space for introspection and for appreciating the serenity of the Portuguese countryside. It is a place where architecture and nature merge, providing an enriching and memorable experience for those seeking the calm and genuineness of the interior.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.44671646151252,-8.39146956335937
Coordinates DMS: 38°26'48.2"N 08°23'29.3"W