The construction of the magnificent church of Santo Antão (Igreja de Santo Antão) began in 1557. It is dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great, a Christian monk from Egypt who went to the desert at nineteen and endured supernatural temptations without losing his faith. Christians appeal to him against skin diseases. Many monuments and older buildings that once stood in the square were demolished to make way for the church. The plain exterior mirrors the austere whitewashed interior. The architects employed numerous thick columns, giving the church a robust feel once you are inside. The Igreja de Santo Antão was considered so beautiful when it was built that it served as a model for other churches in the Alentejo region (whose capital is Évora).