Images of Portugal: Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, Cascais
The Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Assunção in Cascais west of Lisbon dates back to at least the 16th century. This is known as the church features in a painting Civitates Orbis Terrarum by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg dated to that time.
Though severely damaged in the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake the building was subsequently restored.
The church has two bell towers and a rather plain facade. However, within highlights include some superb gilded woodwork in particular the altar, rich 18th century azulejos tiles and a magnificent 17th century marble pulpit.
In addition, the church houses some notable religious paintings from the 17th century by such masters as Josefa de Òbidos and the (probably) Flemish painter The Master of Lourinhã (Mestre da Lourinhã). The ceiling also features a painting by the Portuguese artist, José Malhoa (1855-1933) dated 1900. It depicts the Assumption of Our Lady.
