Images of Portugal: Igreja da Misericórdia de Ansião, Ansião
The Igreja da Misericórdia de Ansião (Church of the Holy House of Mercy of Ansião) in central Portugal is located in the center of the town of Ansião.
The chapel is believed to have originally served as the private place of worship for the family of the 3rd Count of Ericeira during the second half of the 17th century. In 1702, it underwent significant renovation works, initiated by the Jesuit priest Dr. António dos Santos, as recorded on a commemorative plaque inside the chapel.
For centuries, Mass was celebrated here every Sunday morning and on religious feast days, owing to its location along an estrada real running from the north to the south of the country. A visit to the chapel offers an opportunity to admire its rich artistic and historical features, including the Arms of Portugal depicted on the ceiling, several sculptures - most notably those of its patron saint, Our Lady of the Conception, and Our Lady of Sorrows - and a tomb adorned with a coat of arms.
The church lies next to the next to the former palace of the 3rd Count of Ericeira (D. Luís de Meneses). It is also close to both the Igreja Matriz (see previous image) and the local pillory (pelourinho).
Ansião itself is a town of just over 11,000 people located in the district of Leiria in the historical region of Beira Litoral. The small town lies on the Camino de Santiago and has the usual history of occupation of settlements in this part of central Portugal by Romans, Visigoths, and Moors.
Address: Rua Conselheiro António José da Silva 11, 3240-143 Ansião, Portugal.
