SintraCascaisSesimbra.com
The best independent guide to Setubal
SintraCascaisSesimbra.com
The best independent guide to Setubal
The Igreja de Jesus and Mosteiro de Jesus, Setubal
The Igreja de Jesus stands as the most architecturally important building in Setúbal. Commissioned by King John II and constructed between 1490 and 1495, it represents the earliest example of the Manueline style of architecture in Portugal - a distinctive architectural style characterised by intricate stone carvings that emerged in the early 16th century.
The building holds profound historical significance as part of the Mosteiro de Jesus complex, where Saint Joana, daughter of King Afonso V, lived as a nun until her death in 1490. The monastery became one of Portugal's most important Franciscan convents for noble women during the 15th and 16th centuries.
The church's unique exterior combines yellow lime mortar with stone blockwork at its eastern end and notably lacks the traditional spire or tower common to Portuguese churches. The façade features large Manueline-style windows and a significant southern-facing portal. This main entrance, though influential to many subsequent Manueline buildings, was left incomplete, with empty niches that were intended to house statues.
The exterior of the Igreja de Jesus incorporates gothic and Manueline styles
Inside, the church presents a striking contrast to its exterior. The surprisingly narrow nave features six twisted granite columns (known as 'torsos') supporting a vaulted roof, representing one of the earliest examples of this distinctive Manueline feature. The ceiling's intricate ribbed vaulting creates mesmerising geometric patterns, while the altar walls are adorned with geometric green and white azulejos tiles. The pulpit and altar date from the 18th century, added during restoration work following the 1755 earthquake.
The architect, Diogo de Boitaca, used this church as his experimental work before being commissioned for the magnificent Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Lisbon. The original 14 paintings that once hung around the altar can now be viewed in the Galeria Municipal.
Mosteiro de Jesus Tourist Information
The Mosteiro de Jesus is open from 9:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00 Tuesday to Sunday but shut on Monday. The church is located on the Largo Jesus (GPS: 38.52591, -8.894786) and is just a 5-minute walk from the Praça de Bocage.
Details of the Igreja de Jesus
While the exterior might initially appear austere, careful observers will notice the sophisticated interplay between Manueline and Gothic elements. The western portal features naturalistic motifs typical of the Manueline style, including twisted rope designs, botanical elements, and maritime themes – all referencing Portugal's Age of Discovery. The unfinished nature of some decorative elements offers a unique glimpse into 15th-century construction methods.
The church's narrow nave creates an intentional sense of vertical thrust, drawing the eye upward toward the heaven-reaching vaulted ceiling. The contrast between the robust twisted columns and the delicate tracery of the windows demonstrates the sophisticated architectural understanding of light and space characteristic of the period. The original 15th-century choir stalls, though weathered, still display intricate woodcarving depicting religious symbols and natural motifs.
The most distinctive features of the exterior are the large Manueline style windows and the main southern facing portal. This is interesting as it was never completed and there are empty niches, where statues where to be placed.
Despite suffering significant damage during the 1755 earthquake that devastated Lisbon, the monastery underwent careful restoration that preserved many of its original Manueline features. These restoration efforts provide insight into 18th-century architectural preservation techniques.
The church was commissioned by King John II and construction was between 1490 and 1495. The exterior is unlike many other churches in Portugal as there is no spire or tower and is a combination of yellow lime mortar with stone block work to the eastern end.
The main portal’s decoration influenced many other Manueline buildings, but was never completed!
The Mosteiro de Jesus Complex
The monastery's chapter house contains a rich collection of 16th-century furniture and religious art. Of particular cultural significance are the illuminated manuscripts produced by the convent's nuns, which demonstrate their substantial contribution to Portuguese medieval scholarship and artistry.
The complex became renowned as one of Portugal's premier Franciscan convents for noble women during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, the monastery section houses the Museu de Jesus, displaying significant art pieces from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The azulejo tiles throughout the complex tell their own historical story, with particularly notable 18th-century panels depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. These tiles represent different periods of Portuguese ceramic artistry, creating a visual timeline of this traditional craft.
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