Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Aveiro > Castelo de Paiva > Raiva > Pereiro
The Chapel of São Domingos stands majestically atop Monte de São Domingos, at an altitude of 423 meters, in the locality of Raiva, municipality of Castelo de Paiva, in an area known as Pereiro. This isolated location, embraced by nature, is reached via a wide avenue lined with trees.
At the summit, a spacious forecourt, paved with granite cobblestones and dotted with stone benches and large trees, offers an atmosphere of serenity. Its elevated position provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, encompassing the winding course of the Douro River and the mouth of the Arda River, inviting contemplation and enjoyment of the vast natural beauty.
With a history dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries, the Chapel of São Domingos features religious architecture with a rectangular plan, characterized by the simplicity of its plastered and white-painted facades, with a stone socle on the main facade. This facade, facing northwest, displays a lintel portal, a niche with the image of the patron saint, and a circular oculum adorned with colored glass that forms a cross.
To the left, slightly set back, is the bell tower, which includes a clock, added in 1948. More recently, in the 21st century, a distinctive metal campanile was erected next to the chapel, housing the carillon bells. Inside, the walls are lined with polychrome tile panels and a peculiar wooden ceiling, of the masseira type, painted blue with red mouldings, complementing the 19th-century main altarpiece. This impressive altarpiece in painted white, blue, and gold woodwork, with its Corinthian columns and niches, frames the central image of São Domingos.
The Chapel of São Domingos is the epicenter of an ancient and deep devotion, whose roots are lost in time and which was already documented in 1758. Traditionally, the cult of São Domingos was intrinsically linked to the request for rain in times of drought, with the image of the saint being carried in procession and washed in a neighboring chapel in the hope of God's grace.
Although the primary function of invoking rain has evolved, the annual pilgrimage to São Domingos da Serra remains a moment of strong unity and manifestation of faith. Pilgrims from Castelo de Paiva and neighboring municipalities continue to ascend the mountain, many with candles, in gratitude for graces received, and it is common to see children dressed as "little angels" accompanying the procession. This celebration is also marked by gastronomic particularities, such as the traditional "Bife à São Domingos," a dish that has become an integral part of the pilgrimage experience, highlighting the communal and festive character that surrounds this place of faith.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.026901016667, -8.3511104
Coordinates DMS: 41°01'36.8"N 08°21'4.0"W
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