Igreja Da Graça

The Igreja da Graça is one of the finest Gothic churches in Portugal, and its position in Santarém, a town sometimes called the capital of Portuguese Gothic, makes it a key stop on any visit. It stands on a quiet square in the upper town, and it was built in the second half of the 14th century as the church of an Augustinian convent, the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Graça. It is classified as a national monument. The exterior is of pale local limestone, and its great west front is simple and clear, with a deep, pointed portal and a large rose window above, which is one of the most celebrated in the country.

The rose window is the highlight of the facade. Its tracery, carved in fine detail, radiates from a central core like the petals of a flower, and according to tradition it was carved from a single block of stone. The window is lit from within in daylight, and its pattern projects onto the interior, and it is often compared to the great windows of the French cathedrals. Above the portal, a series of carved figures and a pointed gable complete the composition. The tall, slender proportions and sharp lines are typical of the Gothic style, and the facade gives an impression of lightness and verticality.

Inside, the church has a plan with three naves separated by tall, round columns that rise to pointed arches, and a long chancel, giving a sense of height and calm. The interior is relatively bare, with the character of a mendicant church, and the pale stone is warm in the afternoon light. Several tombs are of historic interest. The church holds the tomb of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the navigator who reached Brazil in 1500, who is buried here, and the tomb of Dom Pedro de Meneses, the first governor of Ceuta, with its richly carved Gothic canopy, and other noble tombs are scattered around the nave and chapels.

The church is a short walk from other Gothic churches in Santarém, including Marvila and the convent of São Francisco, as well as from the viewpoint of the Portas do Sol. It is open daily for much of the day, with hours that may vary, and entry is generally free. As a place of worship, it should be visited quietly and modestly dressed.

It suits architecture lovers, history readers, and photographers. A visit takes around half an hour, and it combines well with a walk through the old town.