Church of Saint Anthony of the former Convent of the Benedictine nuns.

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Viseu > Viseu > Sé e São Pedro

Location

The Church of Santo António is situated in the heart of Viseu, integrated into the historic area of the Cathedral (Sé) and São Pedro. More precisely, it is located in Largo Mouzinho de Albuquerque. Its central position within Viseu's urban fabric makes it easily accessible, allowing for a leisurely discovery while exploring the city's historic centre.

History and Conventual Origins

The history of the Church of Santo António dates back to the late 16th century, when, in 1592, a community of Benedictine nuns settled here, founding the Monastery of Bom Jesus. The edifice that can be observed today is not its original construction, but rather the result of significant rebuilding that occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries. This transformation shaped the current church, which stands on the foundations of the old convent, witnessing centuries of religious life and architectural evolution.

The Dazzling Interior

In contrast to its simpler facade, the interior of the Church of Santo António reveals surprising richness. Upon entering, the eye is immediately captivated by the abundance of gilded carved wood (talha dourada), which adorns the space with a profusion of ornamental details. The main altar and the two side altars, notable examples of the Rococo style from the second half of the 18th century, impress with their grandeur and complexity. The artistic mastery of these pieces is often attributed to the Beirão carver José da Fonseca Ribeiro, imbuing the temple with considerable artistic and aesthetic value.

The Narrative in Tiles

One of the most striking and unique elements of this church is the vast covering of azulejos (tiles) that covers the walls of the nave and the chancel. These large ceramic panels are true visual narratives, depicting episodes from the lives of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica, central figures of the Benedictine order. It is possible to distinguish different periods and styles within this collection: the tiles in the chancel, dated to the late 17th century, are attributed to Gabriel del Barco, while those in the nave, later (1739-1740), are associated with the Oliveira Bernardes family. This profusion of tiles constitutes a remarkable testament to Portuguese decorative art of the era.

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