\\ In the heart of the medieval village of Monsaraz, overlooking the vast Alqueva Lake, stands the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa — a remarkable example of Alentejo’s religious architecture whose origins date back to the 16th century. Deeply rooted in the collective memory of the community, this church has, for centuries, served as the spiritual, social, and symbolic center of the village. 

Over time, the forces of nature, the erosion of materials, and the lack of specialized maintenance began to threaten the building’s physical and symbolic integrity. The need for intervention became urgent: it was imperative to safeguard this heritage, not only as a place of worship but also as an essential landmark of Monsaraz’s identity. 

The Rebelo de Andrade studio led this rehabilitation process with a clear commitment: to intervene with absolute respect for the history, materials, and original construction techniques. The project was born from the meeting between past and present — between preserving the spirituality of the place, and carefully introducing solutions that ensure its future durability. 

More than a restoration effort, this intervention is a celebration of time and faith, restoring the church’s original dignity and reaffirming its role as a space of encounter across generations.