Church of Saint Isidore of Pegões

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Setúbal > Montijo > Pegões

Location

The Church of Santo Isidro de Pegões is located in the town of Pegões, in the municipality of Montijo and the district of Setúbal. This building is situated on a vast rural plain, visually standing out at the end of an avenue. Its surroundings are marked by open and tree-lined spaces, lending it an atmosphere of tranquility characteristic of the Alentejo landscape, formerly integrated into the Santo Isidro de Pegões Colonization Project.

Innovative Architecture

This building, designed by architect Eugénio Correia in the 20th century, is a remarkable example of the Estado Novo period, distinguished by its innovative approach and the expressive use of concrete, which gives it a striking plasticity. With an irregular modulation and forms that tend towards geometrization, the building articulates volumes in an original way, creating a composition of great plastic force.

The architectural conception of the Church of Santo Isidro de Pegões reveals influences from Brazilian modernism, particularly from the works of Oscar Niemeyer, such as the Church of São Francisco de Assis in Belo Horizonte. This inspiration is evident in its curved lines and the hyperbolic paraboloid shells that cover the nave and other sections, as well as in the shell vault that defines the main chapel, all clad in simple brick. Its slender bell tower and the various slits and oculi that punctuate the facades accentuate its unique identity, which, despite initially generating surprise, quickly won the appreciation of the local community.

Interior and Symbolism

Inside, visitors discover a carefully differentiated space. The main chapel, with a semicircular plan, culminates in a shell vault on the back wall. This area is enhanced by a mural painting of a naturalistic character, depicting a rural landscape with elements of Christian iconography, establishing a direct connection with the patron of the place. The nave, in turn, impresses with its height and barrel vault, which rises, giving the space a sense of sacredness. The ceramic tile flooring complements the welcoming and traditional atmosphere.

The Church of Santo Isidro de Pegões was built as an integral part of the Pegões Agricultural Colony, a pioneering project aimed at settling families in the countryside and fostering agriculture. This place of worship was conceived to be the central nucleus and a reference point for this community. Its dedication to Saint Isidore, revered as the patron saint of farmers and agriculture, symbolizes the space's deep connection with rural activities and the identity of its inhabitants, aspects that are reinforced by the art present in its interior.

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