Church of Mercy

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

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

Location

The Misericórdia Church stands in the city of Sines, in an urban area known as Bairro 1º de Maio. It is located in the heart of the historic centre, an area that invites a peaceful stroll to appreciate the urban design and its proximity to the sea.

A Secular Legacy

This building, also identified as the Church of the Holy Spirit, had its construction begun at the end of the 16th century. Its erection was authorised by King Philip I of Portugal, in response to a request from the local brotherhood of the Misericórdia of Sines, who wished to replace a previous church considered too small and in poor condition. The work was financed through alms offered by the faithful to the venerated image of Our Lady of Grace, demonstrating the community's strong connection to its construction.

Architectural and Artistic Features

The church presents a fusion of architectural styles, with a predominance of Mannerist and Baroque elements. Its main façade, facing west, stands out for its sober and functional appearance. Above the entrance portal, the coat of arms of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia is visible, adorned with the Five Wounds of Christ, a symbol of great significance. Inside, of particular interest is its main altarpiece, dating from the mid-18th century, which displays rich gilded and polychrome carving. It is also possible to observe a holy water font in the unusual shape of a scallop shell, adding a particular detail to the space.

Mysteries and Discoveries

The history of the Misericórdia Church holds a unique episode, related to the alleged relics of Saint Torpes. In the early 20th century, archaeologist José Leite de Vasconcelos investigated a chest found in the chapel's sacrarium. The bone remains and other artifacts present there led to the theory that the supposed tomb of the saint was, in fact, a dolmen, a prehistoric funerary monument. This find offers a fascinating perspective on the historical and cultural depth of the place.

From Worship to Cultural Space

Although the Misericórdia Church is owned by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Sines, the building is currently leased to the Sines City Council. With the conservation interventions carried out, the space, which is no longer used for regular worship, has been adapted and is now a venue for various cultural events. Its remarkable acoustics make it particularly suitable for small performances, exhibitions, and conferences, giving it a new life in service of local culture.

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