Church of the Misericórdia de Valadares The Church of the Miserícordia de Valadares (), or Church of Mercy/Charity of Valadares, is a 17th–18th-century Portuguese church located in the civil parish of Valadares, municipality of Monção in continental Portugal. The church was classified as Property of Public Interest in 1961. History Originally, the need to establish a presence in the village of Valadares was developed in 1535, when the religious brotherhood approached King Philip I of Portugal to solicit its creation. But, it was only in 1687 that the project to build a church was contemplated: the design was issued to master Domingos Gonçalves at a cost of 3$500 réis. Those that wanted to join the brotherhood of the Misericórdia of Valadares was required to pay a tribute: in the first half of the 18th century membership dues were between $300 and $480 réis, depending on their station and level of participation. The primary administrative body of this group (the ) was different then most Misericórdias at the time: it included a provedor, secretary, prosecutor (all men of high status), a treasurer and twelve brothers (the remaining of lower status). There were also four councillors from the wealthy gentry that formed the junta. In total 16 elements, that met several times throughout the year, when it was necessary but not on fixed intervals. (occasionally, the entire quorum would meet also as the Mesa grande). Members of the inner quorum included the clergy of the neighbouring parishes and a few military officers, while it is likely that the powerful, wealthy nobles of Monção and Melgaço were integrated into this group. The charitable organization decided to construct a new house in Valadares in 1688. Stonemason Francisco Gonçalves (of the parish of Ceivães) and his assistant Francisco da Costa solicited the Misericórdia for funds to complete the project, at one time addressing their treasurer André Gomes to transfer the 148$000 réis from the organization's coffers. In 1689, the Misericórdia purchased a house from Manuel Monteiro, that existed alongside the old Misericórdia building for 57$700, in order to build the new building. This project proceeded during the mid 18th century, and involved a string of masons, painters, sculptures and masters. By 1736, already complete, there was a decision to complete renovations of the main chancel and two lateral chapels, with a promise of 30$000 réis from brother Domingos Domingues Ramos. At this time (1738) the Misericórdia had eleven clergy providing services, such as the legate of the Deão da Baía, who issued an order that the Misericórdia, among other obligations, should celebrate 500 masses for the souls in purgatory (around 1741). In the same year a new project was begun by the painter Luís Peixoto (from Arcos de Valdevez) for 386$500, but having insufficient funds, the brotherhood contracted a loan for 300$000 réis to pay the difference. A tender for the lateral altars was completed in favour of António Gandra for 81$000 réis in 1748. In the same period, the brothers decided to open an exterior door and window. But, this project created tensions with Captain-General João Manuel de Araújo Azevedo e Andrade who stopped the project, alleging that he had territorial rights of access from his residence through the locality. In order to end the conflict, the monks decided to provide the General a key to the church, in order that he may have access, at his leisure, to the "divine offices" of the Misericórdia. Shortly thereafter, a new administrative body rescinded this privilege and confiscated the key, owing to issues of security. In 1749, the exterior, including the courtyard and benches were remodelled