Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda

Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda

The presence of a place of worship on this site likely dates back to the 13th century, but the earliest documented reference to the existence of this rural church is from 1534.

In 1343, when the Comenda de Mouguelas was transferred from the Palmela area and the jurisdiction of the Church of Santa Maria in that town to the Setúbal region, the existing church likely came under the jurisdiction of São Julião de Setúbal, which it remained under by 1552.

In 1534, the church probably only had a main altar dedicated to its patron saint, but by 1552, it already had three altars. By 1758, the church featured five altars: the main altar dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Ajuda and four side altars dedicated to Santo António, Santo Amaro, Santa Luzia and Nossa Senhora do Rosário. Brotherhoods and confraternities were associated with all these saints. There was also an annexed chapel dedicated to São Pedro de Alcube.

By the 16th century, the church had already become a parish seat, but in 1850, the parish was dissolved and incorporated into the parish of Nossa Senhora da Anunciada.

In 1858, the church was damaged by the earthquake of November 11th, and in 1862, its ruins were sold to Agostinho Rodrigues Albino.

When Count Ernest Armand purchased the Comenda de Mouguelas in 1872, he also acquired the ruins of the Ajuda church, which he converted into a winery.

The 16th century statue of the patron saint is now housed in the church of Nossa Senhora da Anunciada.