The Church of São Francisco

img_6191

Tavira, in the Eastern Algarve, has a reputation for restoring her many churches.  In the years I have been visiting I have marvelled at some of the changes wrought.  Still it is a thrill to turn a corner and find another, ripe for renovation.  If you look closely at the gallery below, you will see what I mean.  Exposed bare plaster scars the walls and alcoves.

Previously I had only been into the gardens, the church being always locked.  Just occasionally the gardens would be padlocked too, and I’d feel a sense of deprivation.  A quiet bench, the overgrown trees dappling patterns onto ruined walls, somehow they provide a warm and soothing space.

Still, it was a revelation to venture inside this church.  First appearances can be deceptive.  A curtain veiled the entrance to a side chapel.  Stepping through a little cautiously, I was utterly unprepared for the figures that greeted me there.

img_6193

The Church of São Francisco has met with it’s share of disasters.  Since construction in 1272 it has suffered 2 earthquakes (in 1722 and 1755), a landslide in 1843 and a fire in 1881.  Perhaps it’s time it had a little luck.  Should you find yourself in Tavira and the church happens to be open, please deposit a few coins in the collection box.  It may help speed the recovery.

This might not be what Paula had in mind for Traces of the Past this week, but it’s an opportunity to share with you Thursday’s Special.

 

85 comments

  4. I hope I’m not alone , noticing a particular innocent expression on the statues’ faces
    This reflects the Portuguese people’s mind , on my opinion….
    Your find is extraordinary , thanks for this fabulous share!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Those figures are amazing. And the church is so old, I think there is something lovely about old churches they are comforting. Shame about the earthquakes. I hope you didn’t get a fright when you pulllec back the curtain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Having just seen the marvellous film “Silence” these statues of saints had a real relevance for me. They are amazing, as someone else said above, the material looks like porcelain and as though they’d just been manufactured. Almost too realistic. I’m glad you went there and are able to share this with your readers.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. You know I always like to have a nosy around a church and this is a good one if only for its unexpectedness! They do ornate well in Portugal don’t they? Some of the statues do look very modern, like those porcelain dolls you see – do you know what they are of? Saints? I would love to be sitting on the bench alongside you in the garden, having a natter.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes, they’re saints, Jude. Unlike me 🙂 🙂 I said to Meg I don’t have much info on the churches but I can tell you that St. Anne is featured and the sculptures are from 18th century. I’d have to sit on a different bench so as not to infect you 🙂 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  9. So simple on the outside and elaborate on the inside. When I was reading your post and looking at the photos, it occurred to me that this church might fit well in the “ambience” category, which is the WordPress photography prompt this week…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. A beautiful post. The lead figure in the last lot of photos has such a modern face. How recent are the statues? I’d love to sit in the garden, breathing in tranquillity. Can I join you?

    On the subject of church restoration did you see walkingwoman / Iceland penny’s recent posts on church restoration in the Andes? I think I owe my pleasure in her posts to Monday Walk. So thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. They’re described as ancient Gothic in the text, Meg, but it’s quite hard to track down facts on local stuff. I’ll have a look later. 🙂
      I don’t know Iceland Penny! Will have to look her up too. Off to provide some lunch for Mick.

      Like

      Reply

      1. I’m hopeless and suffering from attention deficit. I’m slowly registering that you’re viral; that my sickness if not the only one in the universe. I hope you fight it off quickly with Jo vigour. I’ve never been a fan of broken shifts, and that’s how our childcare is panning out. I’ll blame it for not sending curative hugs sooner. There’s a truckload of them now.

        Liked by 2 people

  16. Stunning . . . . . . I’ve not even been in the garden! On the list now to explore (fingers crossed it will be open when we go) perhaps on the day we try the restaurant you recommended 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I had thought that because it’s the right area of town. 🙂 🙂 So much to do, so little time! I’m working my way through some training modules for the RVS and watching the Oz tennis. Have a happy day!

      Like

      Reply

      1. You are a superstar creating a perfect afternoon for us 🙂 thank you x

        Love the fact you are multi-tasking! We are huddled indoors today, despite the weather forecasts saying cold but sunny it is freezing and the odd rain shower out there at the moment! Such a change from Tuesday when I was in shorts and Tshirt. Still at least it means I can catch up on emails, posts, blogs and stuff without feeling guilty I am not out exploring 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    1. There are so many churches in Tavira, Tish! Impossible to keep up with the history of them all. It’s wonderful thought that they are all gradually being restored. I haven’t managed to get inside all of them yet and this one was a huge bonus. 🙂 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. Pingback: THURSDAY’S SPECIAL: TRACES OF THE PAST Y3-01 | Lost in Translation

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.