Church of Prazeres de Aljubarrota

Considered the oldest monument in Aljubarrota and the one with the greatest historical significance. The first temple that existed on this site was built in the 13th century, and its magnificent Romanesque portal has been preserved to this day.

After its initial construction, the church underwent multiple alterations. In the 14th century, an important family established a chapel and their final resting place here. The tombs of Martim Palença and his wife are accessible from the church through a broken arch portal.

In the mid-16th century, the nave, bell tower and baptismal chapel were rebuilt. In 1596, a new private tomb chapel was built in the Mannerist style, notable for its pilastered portal and coffered vaulted ceiling.

In the 18th century, during the Baroque period, two architectural structures were built attached to the chancel, which were later demolished. Inside, new altarpieces from the Joanine period were added.

This temple takes us back to the Battle of Aljubarrota. Memory has it that D. Nuno Álvares Pereira prayed there on the eve of the battle, although this version is not documented.

This temple, one of the most important in Coutos, holds countless historical answers that future archaeological work may eventually reveal. The dating of existing ossuaries and their setting, as well as the study of the oldest levels, are fundamental to understanding the territory at the dawn of nationality and in later times.