Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Beja > Mértola > Corte da Velha
The Chapel of Corte da Velha is located in the small village of the same name, in the municipality of Mértola. It is set in a typical rural Alentejo environment, surrounded by the tranquility of the landscape. Its location within the village gives it a character of proximity to local life, remaining a discreet but present reference point in the community's daily life.
This modest chapel boasts a remarkable history spanning many centuries. Its origin is believed to date back to very ancient times, possibly with roots in the Visigothic or Mozarabic periods. The structure has undergone adaptations over time but retains elements that attest to its exceptional antiquity, making it one of the oldest testimonies of human and religious presence in this area.
Despite its simple exterior appearance, the chapel holds an architectural element of great interest: its entrance portal. This features a horseshoe arch, a distinctive characteristic that clearly points to the cultural and constructive influences present in the Iberian Peninsula during the Visigothic and early Islamic periods. This unique detail gives the chapel a particular identity and a direct visual link to its millennial past.
Visiting the Chapel of Corte da Velha is an opportunity to connect with the deep history of the Alentejo region. It is not an imposing monument, but a testament to the continuity of faith and life in rural communities over the centuries. Nestled in the serene landscape, the chapel invites a moment of pause and reflection, allowing one to appreciate the simplicity of popular religious architecture and the richness of the heritage hidden in discreet places.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.6804239,-7.7429922
Coordinates DMS: 37°40'49.5"N 07°44'34.8"W
Weather Corte da Velha
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