Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Nelas > Santar > Casal Sancho
The Misericórdia Church of Santar stands in an area of remarkable beauty and tranquility, integrated into the outskirts of Casal Sancho, in the historic village of Santar. Its placement, set back from the main road that crosses the locality, gives it a serene atmosphere. The building is surrounded by a landscaped area, which includes the former Misericórdia cemetery, and is perpendicular to a grand neighbouring property, creating a welcoming landscape frame for a calm and introspective visit.
The most direct accesses are via Largo da Misericórdia and Rua da Misericórdia, leading to a place where heritage and nature harmonise. The surroundings are marked by the presence of an adjacent public garden, which contributes to the welcoming and verdant atmosphere of the area.
The history of the Misericórdia Church of Santar dates back to the 17th century, with the Brotherhood of Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia having been founded in 1632. The construction of the temple we see today began shortly after, in 1637, at the initiative of the donee D. Lopo da Cunha. This benefactor had the church erected on land from his Quinta do Casal Bom, perpetuating his gesture in an inscription visible on the main portal: "DOM LÔPO DA CUNHA: MANDOV FAZER: ESTA: MISERICORDIA: ANNO DE: 1637".
Over the centuries, the building underwent various interventions and reforms, reflecting artistic trends and the needs of the brotherhood. This continuous evolution endowed the church with a multifaceted character, where architectural elements from different eras intertwine.
The Misericórdia Church of Santar presents a fusion of styles ranging from Mannerism to Baroque, Rococo, and 19th-century, a result of successive remodelling. Its plan is rectangular, composed of a single nave that precedes the chancel, which is set back and lower in height. The main façade, facing west, stands out for its three axes of openings, with a central portal with a straight lintel surmounted by a balcony window, adorned with voluted ailerons and topped by a semicircular pediment that houses the national coat of arms. The side windows, with their fluted frames and salient angles, complement the harmony of the ensemble.
On the left side (north), the bell tower rises, with its three distinct registers, suggesting different phases of construction. On the opposite side (south), an interesting arcaded balcony of stonework, supported by Tuscan columns, adds a touch of elegance and offers a view of the surroundings. The balcony rests on a wide basket-handle arch opening, which in other times could have served as a narthex for a side door.
Upon crossing the portal, the visitor is greeted by an interior that reveals the artistic richness accumulated over the centuries. The wooden ceilings, with the nave in a trough shape and the chancel in a false barrel vault, create a welcoming atmosphere. A wainscot of 19th-century stenciled tiles, with phytomorphic patterns, covers the walls of the nave and chancel, adding a touch of colour and detail.
The church houses a wooden choir loft and a carved white pulpit, with Neo-Gothic features. The confronting side chapels contain altarpieces of great interest: one in Joanine Baroque carving on the Epistle side, with an unusual iconography that adds figures of saints and God the Father to the Calvary, and another Neoclassical on the Gospel side. The main altarpiece of the principal chapel, with a Mannerist structure and 19th-century remodelling, features a pictorial representation of the Mater Omnium, where the Virgin protects various social groups. The walls of the nave and chancel still preserve traces of polychromy in pink marbled effects, testifying to their ancient ornamentation.
Adjacent to the Church, in what was the old Misericórdia cemetery, stands a remarkable cruzeiro (stone cross). This element, of Baroque design, is sheltered under a quadrangular Mannerist portico, surmounted by a pyramidal dome. The image of the Crucified, which presides over the ensemble, is a testament to the deep religiosity of the region. The space, now landscaped, is punctuated by some large trees and boxwood beds, creating an atmosphere of serenity and reflection.
This exterior space, with its combination of natural and architectural elements, invites a moment of rest and contemplation. The presence of a small public garden nearby, with a grassy area and wooden benches, reinforces the atmosphere of conviviality and enjoyment of the heritage and surrounding landscape.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.57192426,-7.89144186
Coordinates DMS: 40°34'18.9"N 07°53'29.2"W
Weather Santar
On-duty Pharmacy Santar
