Igreja da Misericórdia de Tavira, Renaissance church in Santa Maria, Portugal.
Igreja da Misericórdia de Tavira is a church with Renaissance features in the village of Tavira, marked by an ornate entrance portal, decorative columns, and carefully designed interior spaces. The building shows classical architectural details of this period in window frames, vaults, and overall composition.
Construction began in 1541 under master stonemason André Pilarte and went on to shape the religious architecture of the region. After the 1755 earthquake, the building served as the Matrix Church until 1800.
The church displays 18th-century artworks showing acts of mercy and scenes from Christ's life, with altarpieces covered in gold leaf carvings. These religious images shape the interior today and reflect the spiritual importance of this place for the community.
The building is located on Rua da Galeria in Tavira and is easy to reach from the village center. The entrance has partial access, while the interior is fully walkable.
The building contains Renaissance columns with capitals featuring gargoyles, an architectural detail rarely found in this region. These decorative elements show skilled craftsmanship and give the interior its own character.
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