Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Aveiro > Águeda > Sobreira > Belazaima do Chão, Castanheira do Vouga e Agadão
The Chapel of Sobreira is situated in the peaceful locality of Sobreira, within the area encompassing Belazaima do Chão, Castanheira do Vouga, and Agadão, in the municipality of Águeda. It is located in a rural setting, somewhat isolated, within a walled courtyard. This position lends it an atmosphere of seclusion and peace.
The roots of the Chapel of Sobreira date back to the 17th century. Its construction was initiated by Father Agostinho de Santo António, who received the necessary authorization to celebrate mass there in November 1626. The image of the patron saint, Our Lady of Needs, has the date 1627 inscribed on its base, thus marking the early years of existence of this place of worship. Over time, responsibility for the chapel was linked to family inheritances, a connection that remains visible within its interior.
The chapel features religious architecture with Mannerist traits. Its main body has a rectangular plan, with a sacristy adjoining laterally. The facade stands out with its portal featuring a straight lintel and cornice. It is flanked by simple windows, and above the portal, there is a small oculus. The gable is topped by lateral pinnacles rising above the pilasters and a small bell-gable at one of the corners. Details such as the base, the quoins, and the window frames are highlighted with blue paint. For its construction, local sandstone masonry, a characteristic material of the region, was used.
Upon entering the chapel, the visitor finds a space with a tiled floor. In the center, a marble grave slab with an inscription stands out, a testament to the history linked to the former owners. The walls display tile wainscoting with a carpet pattern in blue tones, while the ceiling is wood-paneled. The gaze is drawn to the main gilded altarpiece, organized in the form of an aedicule. It features four fluted columns, whose lower thirds are enveloped by acanthus scroll motifs, framing three panels. The upper finial includes a bas-relief depicting Jesus, Joseph, and Mary.
Historically, this chapel, under the invocation of Our Lady of Needs, was an important pilgrimage center, attracting many devotees from the Central region. It was a tradition for these pilgrims to leave wax ex-votos, evidencing the strong connection and popular faith associated with this place. The central grave slab, mentioned earlier, holds the memory of D. Maria Mascarenhas, who passed away young in 1855. The tomb inscription, placed by her husband, is a touching record of that loss and the respect that the family and community held for her.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.5224602,-8.3007192
Coordinates DMS: 40°31'20.9"N 08°18'2.6"W
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On-duty Pharmacy Sobreira
