The beginning of construction on the Igreja Matriz de Cernache do Bonjardim, in honor of São Sebastião, patron saint of the parish, dates back to 1555. Work continued until 1590, but only two years later was the internal cover placed.
In a style similar to Gothic, the interior of the temple is divided into three naves, the central nave being the highest, separated by five round arches supported by Tuscan columns. In the background, you can see the wooden high choir. Flanking the triumphal arch, two altars with gilded carved altarpieces, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Opening onto the chancel, we have a triumphal round arch with carved stone coat of arms at the closure, surmounted by a niche integrating the image of Christ Crucified and flanked by pseudo-Solomonic columns. The chancel is illuminated on the Gospel side, with similar side doors for access to the sacristies. The walls are lined with blue and white figurative tile panels from the 18th century, with scenes from the life of São Sebastião and in the center there is an altarpiece in gilded carving. It is covered by a barrel vault with caissons delimited by stonework friezes.
The first major works of renovation of the interior of the church were carried out in 1688, on the initiative of the vicar Eusébio Leitão de Andrade, who ordered the chancel to be enlarged and the throne to be built on the high altar, which until then did not have.
At the end of the following century, after the damage suffered due to the 1755 earthquake, the interior of the temple underwent further renovations, between 1790 and 1793, namely the altars of Nossa Senhora das Dores and Santa Ana. In 1798, the new chapel on the left side dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament was built, established by Joaquim José Luís do Bonjardim.
Currently, this church consists of the main altar and six side altars and includes 18th-century tiles that cover the walls of the chancel, with the ceilings of the naves lined with wood. Highlight, on the Gospel side, for the neoclassical positive organ.
Classified as a Property of Public Interest (1960).
Source: https://turismo.cm-serta.pt/turismopt
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