Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Viseu > Viseu > Bairro Dona Maria do Céu Mendes
Located in the historical heart of Viseu, the Church of Misericórdia stands prominently atop an elevation, facing the well-known Largo da Sé. Its position provides a unique setting within the urban fabric, standing out for its imposing presence. Access is gained via a set of staircases leading to a walled churchyard, a space that invites observation of its grand facade and the surrounding city.
This remarkable building, classified as a Monument of Public Interest, features a facade that is a true example of the Rococo style from the second half of the 18th century. The construction of the current front began in 1775, with authorship attributed to the master stonemason António da Costa Faro. Its harmonious design stands out due to the contrast between the white walls and the grey granite architectural elements.
The facade is organized into five vertical sections, with a slightly prominent central sector. This section is punctuated by an elegant portico, topped by a balcony with curved railings and three windows. Above the central window, the national coat of arms is visible. At the ends, two slender bell towers rise, crowned by conical spires, which give the ensemble a remarkable verticality and a resemblance to the architecture of noble manor houses of the period.
In contrast to the rich exterior decoration, the interior of the Church of Misericórdia reveals a more restrained, Neoclassical style. The single nave leads to a narrower chancel, and the entire space is covered by a wooden false barrel vault. Despite the absence of gilded carving, the sobriety of the space highlights its three polychrome carved altarpieces.
In the main altarpiece, one finds the image of Our Lady of Mercy, the central figure of the temple. The interior space is enriched by important works of art, such as the sculptural group of the Visitation, by the Viseu-born José Monteiro Nelas, dated 1875. Also noteworthy are the canvases Visitation and Our Lady of Sorrows, created in 1885 by the local painter António José Pereira. The organ, an element of great heritage value, which once came from the Franciscan Convent of Santo António de Mançorim, was restored after a fire in 1992, attesting to the resilience of this sacred space.
Sources: https://www.wikiwand.com/pt/Museu_de_Arte_Sacra_(Viseu)
https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficheiro:Museu_de_Arte_Sacra_-_Viseu_-_Portugal_(48128886053).jpg
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.66015863341145, -7.911826257509515
Coordinates DMS: 40°39'36.6"N 07°54'42.6"W
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