Description of the attraction
The Misericordia Church is located in the central square, not far from the Se Cathedral. This square is considered one of the largest and most beautiful in Portugal. On the square, in addition to historical architectural monuments, there are also many small shops where you can buy traditional Portuguese souvenirs, and local restaurants where you can taste the specialties for which Viseu is famous.
The construction of this monumental building began in 1775. The facade of the building is made in the Rococo style; there are two small bell towers on the roof. Despite the fact that the facade is made in the Rococo style, the interior decoration of the church is made in the neoclassical style, the characteristic feature of which is the simplicity of forms. Inside, there are three stately wooden altars, trimmed with gold and decorated with decorative carvings. The main altar of the temple is decorated with a sculptural image of Our Lady of Mercy (Nossa Senhora da Misericordia). The Mother of God sits on the throne, and two petitioners kneel before her. The altar of the 19th century in the chapel is also decorated with carved elements. The ceiling of the sacristy is made of wood and painted by local artist Jose Monteiro Nelas. On the walls of the temple there are paintings from the 19th century depicting Our Lady of Sorrows (Nossa Senhora dash Dores) and the Last Judgment. These paintings were also painted by local artist José Antonio Pereira.
To get to the church, one has to climb the stairs that lead to the baroque portico and balcony. The walls of the church are painted white, against which the granite columns stand out. The large windows of the church, which are decorated with decorative elements, attract attention.
