Igreja Matriz de Monchique (Main Church)

See the imagery and treasures of religious art in the Igreja Matriz church of Monchique, in Algarve, Portugal.

Igreja Matriz de Monchique (Main Church)
© Peter Broster

The Igreja Matriz church of Monchique was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Stands out for its beautiful Manueline portico with twisted pillars finished at the top with pinnacles. The lateral porticos are from the same time, but they are much simpler.

Its interior consists of three naves and counts on pillars with capitals composed by twisted laces, repeating this way the decorative theme of the main portico.

It is worth to look at the major chapel and its retable of golden carving from the 13th century. In the arch, two angels are represented holding the moon and the sun while two Atlanteans withstand the whole set.

The Santísimo Chapel is a real treasure due to its 17th century tiles.

This church, besides containing a great set of figures, keeps a religious treasure composed by cult objects formerly of the old Nossa Senhora do Desterro Convent. The ruins of the mentioned convent are other of the interesting points to visit in Monchique.

More information:

Location:

Rua da Igreja, Monchique.

Ticket Price:

Free admission.

Opening Times:

From 9h00 to 17h00..

Recommended Excursions:

Mapa Interactivo:

Other worth-visiting nearby towns and cities:

Why "Portugal Travel"?

Portugal Travel is an organization of Portuguese agencies whose objectives are:

✓ To make Portugal, its culture and its heritage known.
✓ To promote sustainable tourism.

In collaboration with:

Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril

Turismo de Portugal