Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Aveiro > Ovar > Arada > Desterro
Located in the village of Arada, in the municipality of Ovar, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Our Lady of Exile/Banishment) is situated in the area precisely known as Desterro. This area, according to local narratives, is linked to a place that may have been more isolated, or associated with stone quarrying in the region, contexts that help to understand the chapel's name itself.
The history of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Desterro dates back to the 17th century. An inscription on its frontispiece indicates the year 1663 as its foundation date. The building we observe today is the result of later interventions, notably a significant reconstruction carried out in the 20th century. The bell tower, a distinctive element of the chapel, was a later addition, dating from 1906.
A fascinating local legend tells the story behind the choice of this place for the chapel. It is said that an image of Our Lady repeatedly appeared on top of a rock existing at this site. The inhabitants tried to take the image to the parish church, but, inexplicably, it always returned to the rock the next day. This persistence was understood as Our Lady's will to be venerated at that specific spot. The legend adds that the construction of the chapel on the site was initially hindered by the hardness of the quarry stone, but, through divine intervention, the necessary stone miraculously appeared broken, allowing for the construction of the original small hermitage.
The chapel features a longitudinal plan, typical of many temples. Inside, there are the main nave, the chancel, the sacristy, and other annexed spaces. Noteworthy inside are the images of Our Lady of Desterro: a larger one, used in processions; another made of wood, traditionally presented for kissing during festivities; and a third, also made of wood, housed in a niche. On the exterior, the chapel is enhanced by the presence of various tile panels that complement its facade.
The life of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is strongly linked to an annual celebration of great importance to the community: the feast in honor of Our Lady of Desterro. This festivity traditionally takes place on the first Sunday after Easter, bringing together devotion and tradition at the site.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.9051578,-8.5948897
Coordinates DMS: 40°54'18.6"N 08°35'41.6"W
Weather Arada
On-duty Pharmacy Arada
