Igreja de São Julião, Setúbal
The Igreja de São Julião (St. Julian's Church) is located on the edge of Praça de Bocage, the main square in Setúbal.
Other prominent buildings and structures in the square include the Câmara Municipal de Setúbal (City Hall) and a statue of the writer, Manuel Bocage, a Neo-classical poet and dramatist, born in the city.
The church is the main, active church in the city, though not as historically important as the Igreja de Jesus.
History
The church we see today dates from the 18th century.
However, the first church was actually constructed in the 13th century with later rebuilds in the 16th century when it was redone in Manueline style with patronage from King Manuel I himself.
Damaged by an earthquake in 1531, the church was then almost completely destroyed by the Earthquake of 1755.
It was later reconstructed in Baroque style when the present square was newly laid out in the 18th century. Some Manueline elements do remain, however, namely the main and side portals of the building. The later is embellished with typical Manueline elements such as the twisting ropes and vegetal motifs around the entrance.
Architecture
The interior of the church consists of a single nave with three aisles.
The gilded, wooden columns in the choir and the altar are decorated in gold leaf, a technique known as talha dourada. The painting above the altar is by Pedro Alexandrino (1864-1942).
The azulejos tile work on the side walls dates from the 18th century. The tiles depict scenes of Julian and Basilissa, early Christian martyrs under the Romans, who were forced to marry but maintained their chastity. According to legend, Julian was martyred in Antioch, Syria.
Access & Hours
Praça do Bocage 135-136
2900-001 Setúbal
Tel: 265 523 723
Admission: Free
To get to Setúbal take a Fertagus Line from any of Roma-Areeiro, Entrecampos, Sete Rios or Campolide.
The church is a 20 minute walk from Setúbal Station.
Other places of interest in Setúbal include the Casa de Bocage, the Igreja de Sãnta Maria, and the worthwhile Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti.
Hotels in Setúbal
There is a grouping of hotels located near Setúbal Station including the recommended four star Meliá Setúbal Hotel, the Hotel Arangues, three stars and the four star Luna Esperanca Centro Hotel.
Another popular hotel is the Hotel Solaris in a fine, period building near the Casa da Baía.
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