Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Beja > Ferreira do Alentejo > Ferreira do Alentejo > Bairro do Império
The Calvário Chapel, also known as the Chapel of Santa Maria Madalena or Igreja das Pedras, is located in the village of Ferreira do Alentejo, in Portugal, on Avenida Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral.
The chapel has a circular shape, with a dome-shaped vault, and is decorated with irregular stone protrusions. These stones may represent the martyrdom of Jesus Christ during the Stations of the Cross or the difficulties faced during the Calvary journey. There is also an 18th-century image of Santa Maria Madalena, which reinforces the theory that the stones are a reference to her story.
At the top of the dome, there is a hexagonal lantern, which allows the interior of the chapel to be illuminated, and is finished with a Latin cross.
Inside the chapel, there are three images representing Jesus Christ, Santa Maria, and Santa Madalena.
Although it is considered unique by local folklore, there are other sanctuaries with a similar configuration, such as the Chapel of Santa Maria Madalena or Calvário das Pedras Negras, in the village of Peroguarda.
The Calvário Chapel is of great importance to the village of Ferreira do Alentejo and is considered one of the most curious religious monuments in the Alentejo, along with the chapels of Anta de Pavia and Anta de São Brissos.
The construction of the chapel dates back to the 17th century. Originally, it was located in another place, on Rua do Calvário, later known as Rua Luís de Camões. At the end of the 19th century, it was moved to its current location on Avenida Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral, one of the main streets of the village.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capela_do_Calvário_(Ferreira_do_Alentejo)
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.061527,-8.117432
Coordinates DMS: 38°03'41.5"N 08°07'2.8"W
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