Historical Center of Esposende

Church and Chapel of Misericórdia, Mother Church, Pelourinho and Municipal Museum

The historic center of Esposende presents itself as the living room of the municipality of Esposende. From here you can discover the beauties that Esposende encloses.

1. The Misericórdia church is part of a complex of buildings that also includes the Casa da Misericórdia, whose confraternity was instituted in 1595. Inside the Misericórdia Church, the Senhor dos Mareantes Chapel is built. It is a Chapel of exceptional characteristics, classified as a National Monument. It is worth stopping to look at the magnificently gilded carving, of a rich iconography. This ceiling is in fact of extraordinary wealth and beauty, and it is easy to understand why this chapel is considered the jewel of the religious architecture of Esposende.
2. TheThe main church is a mid-16th-century building, like many of Esposende's monuments. It is a temple of rectangular plan, with the main facade facing the west as it is used in the Christian churches. The visit to the interior is not to be forgotten: admire the rich altars in gilded carving, the images of sacred art and the splendid organ of tubes. An imposing piece worthy of a few minutes of admiration.
3. TheThe pillory of Esposende is an interesting example of this symbol of municipal power, of the autonomy of men free from serfdom or manorial ties. On the traditional base, in this case of three steps, rests the plinth with pillow-like faces. The shaft - the column - is octaved and surmounted by a capital with vegetal motifs and a cross of Christ. At the top, you can see an armillary sphere, a symbol of Portuguese navigations of five hundred.
4. The The Municipal Museum is housed in a building from the early twentieth century, at the time the Theater-Club of Esposende, which left the trace of the architect Ventura Terra. The Museum of Esposende reflects the land where it was created. On the ground floor is the Sala dos Azulejos, for temporary exhibitions. In its two permanent exhibition areas, on the 1st and 2nd floors, the Museum presents the local culture and heritage, promoting the most important patrimonial aspects of the region.