St. Joseph Church

St. Joseph Church
In Rua Tenente Couto street and facing the Praça Zacarias Guerreiro square, Igreja de São José do Hospital doesn´t escape the attentive visitor´s notice.

Erected in the 18th century, it is a typical example of the period´s "hall" churches, with an octagonal shape of uneven sides.

The doorway, in the rocaille style, and the trompe l’oeil paintings of the main altar are unique characteristics of this church which also integrates Gothic and Manueline elements.

Worthy of notice are the images of St Vincent Ferrer, of Our Lady of Carmel and of Saint Theresa, all from the 18th century.

Close to the church, part of the São Brás Chapel, destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, still survives; one can see a chapel with a Gothic vault and a window on the façade in florid style.