Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Aveiro > Ovar > Válega > Alto da Arcela

Location:

Located in Válega, in the municipality of Ovar, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes is situated in the Alto da Arcela area. Its setting is predominantly rural, surrounded by agricultural fields, appearing isolated from other constructions. The main facade faces a local road, preceded by a small walled churchyard.

Origin and Dedication

The construction of this chapel dates back to the early 20th century, having been built in 1909. It was consecrated to the Immaculate Conception and, in particular, to Our Lady of Lourdes, establishing a connection with the well-known pilgrimage site in France. This devotion is expressed in inscriptions on the building's facade.

Architectural Features

The chapel features religious architecture with characteristics that evoke revivalist and eclectic styles, common at the time of its construction. Its composition includes a main nave, a chancel, and a sacristy, with distinct volumes covered by roofs of different pitches. The main facade is flanked by two square-plan bell towers, topped by pyramid-shaped roofs and pinnacles at the corners.

On this facade, the unique entrance portal stands out, flanked by smaller openings, above which there is a central niche and two windows that illuminate the interior choir. The openings are framed and full-arched. The towers have full-arched openings for the bells and are crowned by crosses. The side elevations maintain a certain simplicity, with few openings, although the northeast elevation includes an additional door.

The Interior Environment

Inside, the chapel invites a moment of contemplation. Above the entrance, there is a wooden high choir, protected by a balustrade railing. The nave's floor is also made of wood. The polygonal ceilings are made of wood in the nave area and plastered in the chancel. The transition from the nave to the chancel is marked by a simple full-arch triumphal arch. The main altar, made of wood and painted blue, is dominated by a large niche in the back wall, designed to house the image of the Virgin.

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