Monuments

The Misericórdia is a charitable institution that was founded in Santarém in 1502 by Frei Martinho de Molina. At that time, it was housed in the Hospital de Jesus Cristo. It was not until 1559 that the Queen Regent D. Catarina, acting on behalf of her grandson D. Sebastião, ordered a church to be built for the Misericórdia, choosing Our Lady of the Visitation as its patron saint.

The church has an interesting late Renaissance interior, which is quite different from the Baroque style of its façade, rebuilt after the earthquake in 1755. The entrance leads visitors into a surprising hall-church, with three naves all at the same height. The architect was the prestigious Miguel de Arruda, who had already provided many examples of his skills in Portugal (at the Cathedral of Miranda and the Igreja de Santo Antão in Évora, amongst others).

A special mention should also be made here of the elegant ribbed groin vaulting and the extremely beautiful paintings of rural scenes on the columns, by Sebastião Rodrigues and André de Morales, which contribute to the interior´s monumental harmony.