Igreja da Misericórdia Viseu

Portugal Churches: Igreja da Misericórdia, Viseu

Viseu Church of Misericordia, Portugal. — Viseu's Church of Misericordia with its twin bell towers and central portico

The Igreja da Misericórdia in Viseu, in the Beira Alta region of northeast Portugal is located in Praça de Sé, along with Viseu Cathedral and the Museu de Grão Vasco, the former Bishop's Palace.

History & Architecture

The Igreja da Misericórdia was built from 1775 onwards by master mason and architect Antonio da Costa Faro.

The magnificent Roccoco (late Baroque) façade is noted for a central portico topped by a balcony and its ornate windows decorated with pediments.

Inside the church is formed by a single nave and main chapel. In addition there are three Neoclassical style altarpieces (retables). On the main altarpiece rests an image of Our Lady of Mercy.

Such churches are often associated with charitable organizations, typically known as misericórdias, that were established to provide assistance to the needy, care for the sick, and bury the dead. These Catholic institutions have deep historical roots in Portugal beginning in the late 15th century. They are found all over the country.

The facade of the church, Viseu, Portugal. — The Roccoco façade and twin bell towers, Viseu, Portugal

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Tesouro da Misericórdia

The church includes the Tesouro da Misericórdia, with a collection of religious art including paintings and sculptures from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries on display.

Access & Hours

Adro Sé
Viseu, 3500-195 Portugal
Tel. 232 441 141.

Hours: the Tesouro da Misericórdia is open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 12.30 pm; 2 pm to 5.30 pm; closed Monday, as well as December 25 and some other public holidays.

Viseu has bus connections from the bus terminal at Avenida Dr Antonio Jose de Almeida to Coimbra (75 minutes), Covilhã (1 hour, 40 minutes), Lisbon (3 hours, 30 minutes), Porto (1 hour, 45 minutes), Mangualde (20 minutes) and Guarda (75 minutes).

Buses also go to Salamanca in Spain with onward connections to Madrid. The bus station is a short walk downhill from the Camera Municipal.

Viseu has a number of excellent places to stay including the Hotel Avenida, right next to Rossio, the Casa da Rua da Paz, the Hotel Palacio dos Melos and the Pousada De Viseu, located in a grand 19th century building.