Remember the Marquis of Marialva’s promise. He stood on the eve of the Battle of Montes Claros in 1665. He vowed to build a convent dedicated to Saint Peter of Alcântara if the Portuguese emerged victorious. That promise led to the construction of this very Igreja de São Pedro em Alcântara.
The Portuguese triumphed. The Marquis kept his word. Royal authorization was granted in 1670. Construction began in 1681. The Igreja de São Pedro em Alcântara was born. It was to be a haven for Capuchin Franciscan monks.
This church, Igreja de São Pedro em Alcântara, has seen history unfold. It mostly survived the devastating 1755 Earthquake. In 1833, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa took ownership.
Notice the Baroque design. The Igreja de São Pedro em Alcântara boasts fine azulejos tile wall panels. Admire the marble floors. These features define its architectural beauty.
Let’s step inside Igreja de São Pedro em Alcântara. To the right, up the stairs, lies the Chapel of the Lencastres. It honors Veríssimo de Lencastre. He was the Archbishop of Braga, a cardinal, and Grand Inquisitor of Portugal. His grave rests within this chapel.
Inside the Igreja de São Pedro em Alcântara, observe the gilt wooden altars. They showcase Franciscan iconography. Look up. The painted ceiling is a tromp l’oeil masterpiece. Pierre Bordes, a French artist, created it in 1878.
Several paintings enhance the church’s interior. “The Crowning of the Virgin” is by Pierre Antoine Quillard. Pedro Alexandrino de Cavalho painted “The Preaching of St John the Baptist”. The side walls feature Baroque tile panels. They depict the life of Saint Peter of Alcântara. He was a Spanish Franciscan friar canonized in 1669. He is the patron saint of night watchmen. He slept little and watched over his fellow priests.
The high altar holds a significant painting. It is “The Ecstasy of Saint Peter of Alcântara”. Bento Coelho de Silveira, a Portuguese painter, created it.
The Igreja de São Pedro em Alcântara stands on Rua Luisa Todi. The street is named after the famous opera singer.
The Igreja de São Pedro em Alcântara faced Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. This convent, founded in 1670, stands opposite one of Lisbon’s most beautiful viewpoints. The church features an altar dating from 1758. Almost the entire decoration dates from this period.
Note the gilding with plant motifs. The collection of paintings predates the earthquake. It is originally from the colossal convent in the city of Mafra. A huge oil painting represents the Holy Trinity. It is by Pierre-Antoine Quillard.
The walls also feature 18th-century blue-and-white tile panels. They depict scenes from the life of St. Peter of Alcantara.
The marble chapel of the Lencastres wasn’t affected by the earthquake. It’s an architectural and artistic gem. It is covered in inlaid marble.
Until 2014, the entire monument was closed to the public. After the last nuns moved out, it opened for visits.
So, as you leave the Igreja de São Pedro em Alcântara, remember the Marquis’s promise, the artistry within these walls and the stories they hold. Take a moment to reflect on the history and faith that shaped this remarkable place.