Igreja da Misericórdia de Évora

The history of this beautiful church dates back to 1554, when it was built in the Mannerist style. However, the interior was remodeled in the Baroque style at the beginning of the 18th century, when the decorative tiles were added and the gilded wood carvings by the master João Correia were created. The tiles represent the seven spiritual works of mercy (instructing the ignorant, advising the doubtful, admonishing sinners, bearing patiently with those who wrong us, forgiving insults, consoling the suffering and praying for the living and the dead), while the paintings represent the seven corporal works of mercy (feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick, visiting or ransomed prisoners and burying the dead). The imposing altarpiece is one of the most magnificent of the Baroque period in Portugal, with twisted columns decorated with tendrils and sculptural elements such as putti and angels that refer to heavenly paradise.

The Igreja da Misericordia doesn't look particularly "spectacular" from the outside; it is often closed. But a visit is definitely worth it: the large tile pictures, the huge paintings above them and the impressive altar make a powerful impression in what is actually a relatively small church.

These azuleos are simply fantastic.