Igreja da Misericórdia Faro

Igreja da Misericórdia, Faro, Algarve

The Igreja da Misericórdia on Praça D. Francisco Gomes in Faro dates from 1581 and is a noted historic building in the town.

Igreja da Misericórdia on Praça D. Francisco Gomes

The church was built on the site of the earlier Igreja Manuelina do Espírito Santo.

The Igreja da Misericórdia is designed in the shape of a Greek Cross. It is the only such building in the Algarve laid out in such a shape. The facade and attached hospital were rebuilt by the noted Italian architect Francesco Xavier Fabri (1761-1817), who was responsible for the design of a number of buildings in Faro including the Arco da Vila, the Seminário Episcopal, and the Ermida de São Luís.

Storks often nest on the building.

Museum

Within is a small museum with sacred art. It includes altarpieces, furniture, church vestments, and sculptures. The exhibits date from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The museum is open weekday mornings only.