Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Aveiro > Santa Maria da Feira > São Miguel do Souto e Mosteirô > Tarei
The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia is located in the place of Tarei, integrated into the union of parishes of São Miguel do Souto and Mosteirô, in the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira. It is situated on a slightly elevated site, accessible via a staircase that leads to the churchyard. This churchyard, paved with cobblestones, offers a tranquil space punctuated by trees and flower boxes.
In front of the chapel, a wide square opens up, also paved with cobblestones, with landscaped flowerbeds. In this square, a granite stone cross, dated 1927, can be observed. The chapel is surrounded by houses and cultivation areas, maintaining a setting that blends the urban with the rural.
The history of devotion to Nossa Senhora da Guia in this location is ancient, with the foundation of a first chapel dating back to the 16th century. However, the current building dates from 1856 and was constructed in a different location from the original temple. Already in 1721, a new chapel had been built, from which elements integrated into the current structure still subsist.
The existence of the Confraternity of Nossa Senhora da Guia is documented since the mid-18th century. The Memórias Paroquiais of 1758 refer to the chapel of Tarei and its importance, noting the holding of a large annual pilgrimage on September 8th. The bell tower is a later addition, built in 1914 on the initiative of local benefactors. The chapel underwent significant enlargements and alterations in the late 20th century.
The chapel presents a plan that combines different volumes, including the nave, the chancel, lateral annexes, and the bell tower. Much of the exterior facades are covered with a blue and white tile pattern.
Granite stonework is used on the plinths and quoin stones, but the main facade and the tower stand out for unusual details, such as Doric-style pilasters. On the main facade, above the straight-lintel portal, there is a niche housing the image of the patron saint. Figurative tile panels, depicting Saint Michael and Nossa Senhora da Guia, flank the main entrance. The bell tower has a clock face on its front and is topped by a pyramidal spire clad in tile.
Inside, the walls are plastered and painted white, with a wainscoting of blue and white patterned tiles in the lower part. The ceilings feature "masseira" coverings, also painted white.
The focal point of the interior is the main altarpiece, in carved wood painted white and gold. This altarpiece integrates elements from the earlier one, dated 1721, and is notable for its twisted columns ornamented with vine leaves and the richness of the acanthus decorating the structure. The triumphal arch, which separates the nave from the chancel, is decorated with a carved wood valance. Inside, there is also a holy water font in stonework next to the portal and the stone corbel of the old pulpit on the left side. A spacious choir loft completes the nave space.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.8941861,-8.5729867
Coordinates DMS: 40°53'39.1"N 08°34'22.8"W
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