Casaldelo Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Aveiro > São João da Madeira > Casaldelo

Location:

The Chapel of Casaldelo is located in the Casaldelo area, a zone within the city of São João da Madeira. It is integrated into the local fabric, offering a tranquil landmark in the urban surroundings.

Its position allows it to be easily found by those traveling through the area, representing an element of Casaldelo's landscape.

Origin and Recent History

The history of the Chapel of Casaldelo does not fade into antiquity, dating back to the early 20th century. It was built in the year 1903, marking a specific moment in the locality's development.

Its construction was due to the initiative of António Ferreira Porto, connecting the chapel to a relevant figure in local history and to the devotion of the era.

External Architecture

Observing the chapel from the exterior, one notes its modest but well-maintained structure. A grille enclosure delineates the surrounding space, giving it its own presence on the street.

On the main facade, one of the elements that draws attention is the niche housing a small marble image. This figure represents the chapel's patroness, Saint Mary, and is embedded in the gable, serving as an artistic detail visible to passersby.

The Interior Space

Upon crossing the entrance, the visitor encounters an interior space which, despite its compact dimensions, features distinct characteristics.

It features a small chancel, which stands out from the chapel's main body. The altarpiece, of more recent design, is a focal point due to its decoration, where lacquer and gold leaf were used, giving it shine and detail. Within this altarpiece, one finds the sculpture of Saint Mary, the central object of local devotion.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt