The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima (usually known as Igreja de Fátima) is located in Avenidas Novas district in Lisbon, the modernist neighborhood of the city developed in the first half of the 20th century. This is also one of my favorite churches in the city (along with Lisbon Cathedral) and one that is particularly dear to me.
The church was commissioned in 1933 to the architect Porfírio Pardal Monteiro and is a remarkable work of Portuguese modernism, with the particularity of being the first Catholic temple to be built in Lisbon after the implantation of the Republic (1910).
The building's exterior, where straight lines and pure forms prevail is composed by a large volume, forming the main nave, covered with a flat roof terrace, which articulates with the lower volumes of the two side aisles, and also with the baptistery and the unique and asymmetrical tower on the façade. The traces of art deco are patented in the asymmetry and fragmentation of volumes and in the way they are ornamented.
Like many other works of Pardal Monteiro, the building had the artistic collaboration of Almada Negreiros (stained glass) and of other Portuguese sculptors and artists. The works of Almada Negreiros in the Baptistery are particularly impressive, and the stained glass behind the alter is absolutely breathtaking. Although this church is a little off the beaten path, its beauty and artistic value totally recommend its visit.
Almada Negreiros's works in this church include the stained glass of the "Holy Trinity" in the Choir, the stained glass, mosaics and doors of the Baptistery, the stained glass "Calvary" and "Our Lady of Mercy" in the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy, the stained glass "Our Lady of Carmo" and "Queen of Christians" in the Chapel of Our Lady of Carmo, and the stained glass and Eucharistic symbols of the canopy of the Apse. In the Apse, the four frescoes of the "Evangelists", were also painted by Almada Negreiros.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Fátima
Av. de Berna 26,
1050-053 Lisboa
Oh that's lovely. Wonderful lines and shapes. I can see why you like it so much.
ReplyDeleteThe church looks beautiful and so different. The white color adds to the class and resembles peace. The glass work is particularly beautiful
ReplyDeleteLovely architecture! Missed this one when I visited. But would sure go next time. Love how classic the lines are, and so modern. It even looks different inside. Great photos! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Church looks so magnificent. The pure white colour gives it an ethereal aura of peace and purity. The decor inside too is divine.
ReplyDeleteThose stained glass windows are amazing, so beautiful! I love the outside too though, almost austere but still stunning!
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