Church of Mercy, Leiria

One of the oldest churches in Leiria is practically adjacent to the D.Dinis Hotel, where I stayed. The Church of Mercy (Igreja da Misericórdia) was built in 1544, presumably on the site of an old synagogue. Until the end of the 15th century, this area of the city was inhabited by Jews, after their expulsion in 1496, the synagogue fell into disrepair. From 1627 to 1636, the Diocese of Leiria was headed by Bishop Denis de Mello e Castro, and he took care of the hospital at the church, which existed until 1800. In 1707, the church was radically rebuilt in the style of post-Mannerism, having received a rather modest appearance. In 2015, the temple was included in the list of national monuments. Unfortunately, the doors were closed and no information about the opening hours was found on them..

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