Santiago do Cacém parish

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Setúbal > Santiago do Cacém > Santiago do Cacém > 7540-194

Location

The Mother Church of Santiago do Cacém, often referred to as the local parish church, is located in the city of Santiago do Cacém. Its position is striking, situated next to the castle, at the highest point of the locality. This placement gives it a prominent visibility over the surrounding landscape and the urban fabric itself, making it stand out in the city's profile.

Historical Roots

The history of this temple dates back to the 13th century, having been established by the Order of Santiago. This period marks its foundation within a context of Christian affirmation. Over the centuries, the building underwent various interventions, reflecting the eras and needs. Its connection to historical figures, such as the Byzantine princess Vetácia, and Queen Saint Isabel, who is believed to have offered a valuable artistic piece, adds a layer of fascination to its secular past.

Architectural Features

The church's architecture is a testament to the different periods it has gone through, revealing a fusion of styles. On its south facade, it is possible to observe an ogival portal in Gothic-Romanesque style, enriched by capitals with zoomorphic decorations that catch the eye. Inside, the vaulted high choir and a 14th-century Gothic high-relief, representing Saint James the Greater, its patron saint, stand out. The alterations suffered, particularly after the 1755 earthquake, which changed its orientation and main facade, are also part of its architectural narrative.

A Preserved Legacy

Classified as a National Monument, the church is a pillar of the region's cultural heritage, symbolizing its long history. It benefited from extensive rehabilitation campaigns between 1993 and 1996, a joint effort that allowed for its safeguarding and opening to the public. Currently, the church houses the Treasury of the Collegiate of Santiago, which forms the core of the Sacred Art Museum of Santiago do Cacém, allowing for the contemplation of pieces of artistic and devotional value.

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