Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Vila Fresca de Azeitão > Castanhos
The Church of São Simão is located in Vila Fresca de Azeitão, in the Castanhos area, a region that is part of the municipality of Setúbal. This temple is situated in an urban environment, yet with some distance from its immediate surroundings, rising on a hillside. Its elevated and walled churchyard, with access via staircases, contributes to its distinct presence in the local landscape.
The history of the Church of São Simão has deep roots, with references to a chapel dedicated to São Simão predating the 16th century, belonging to the Order of Santiago and near Quinta da Bacalhoa. The parish building as we know it began to be constructed around 1570, with the purpose of serving the new parish of São Simão. Over the centuries, the church faced significant challenges, such as the 1755 earthquake, which caused the collapse of some of its towers, leading to the reconstruction of one of those observed today. The temple continues to serve its original function as a parish church, being a central point for the community.
The architecture of the Church of São Simão is a testament to the transition of styles, with Mannerist and Baroque elements that translate into an aesthetic of exterior sobriety, yet with expressive details. On the main façade, its Renaissance portal stands out, characterized by two columns supporting a triangular tympanum and a round arch. The bell tower, which rises from one side of the façade, incorporates clock faces and a belfry topped with unique decorative elements and a spheroidal dome. The construction utilized local materials, such as limestone masonry and Arrábida breccia, which lend robustness and authenticity to the ensemble.
Upon crossing the portal, the visitor is surprised by the rich and detailed atmosphere of the church's interior, composed of three naves. The most striking element is, undoubtedly, the complete covering of the walls with polychrome tiles. Dating from the last quarter of the 17th century, these tile panels feature a wide range of carpet-like patterns, predominantly in shades of blue, white, and yellow. Among these geometric motifs, figurative and emblematic panels appear, some of which represent hagiographic figures and the symbolism of the brotherhoods that historically animated the temple's religious life. Complementing the tilework, the church features altars with gilded carving, including the main altar and the side altars, which house various religious images, such as those of the patron saint São Simão, Nossa Senhora da Saúde, and São João Baptista. The ceiling, made of painted wood and with a trapezoidal coffered profile, completes this space of great artistic and spiritual beauty.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.5253093,-8.9947085
Coordinates DMS: 38°31'31.1"N 08°59'41.0"W
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