Images of Portugal: Igreja de Santiago, Alcácer do Sal
The Igreja de Santiago in the lower town of Alcácer do Sal near the Sado River was built in the 18th century by King D. João V. As monarch, the king served as the Grand Master of the Order of Santiago. The knights of Santiago had been administrators of the entire region surrounding Alcácer do Sal since the 13th century. Indeed, the order had retaken large swaths of the Alentejo and Algarve from the Muslims during the period known as the Reconquista.
The church has two large bell towers with baroque domes. Inside, the decoration is exuberant, with gilded carvings, screens and blue and white azulejos tile panels. The panels with representations of the life of Saint James and the Virgin stand out in particular.
Address: 7580 104, R. Dr. Augusto de Matos 21, Alcácer do Sal, Portugal.