Category: Religious Architecture > Church
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rock is located within the town of Cuba, in the heart of the Alentejo. Its main façade faces south, integrated into the town's fabric.
The chapel's position is central for visitors to Cuba, serving as a landmark due to its presence in the town's urban area.
Upon approaching the chapel, its stepped structure stands out, with different volumes corresponding to the building's distinct parts. The main entrance is preceded by a narthex, a covered space open to the exterior through arched grates. This narthex culminates in a gable, flanked by two square-plan bell towers, characteristically topped with stepped elements and weather vanes.
The portal accessing the nave, made of ashlar, features a distinctive depressed arch. It is enriched with a sculpted frame incorporating decorative elements inspired by nature, such as artichokes and pomegranates, details that invite closer observation.
Inside, the main nave features a barrel vault ceiling, which provides a sense of welcoming and elevation to the space. Near the entrance, on the right side, there is a holy water font sculpted in stone.
The nave's side walls are marked by blind arches, integrating benches that invite rest and contemplation. The transition to the chancel is made through a well-defined triumphal arch. The chancel, in turn, is covered by a dome, creating a distinct ambiance.
The altar and altarpiece in the chancel constitute a focal point of great artistic interest. They feature gilded and polychrome carved wood, a technique that combines sculpted wood, gold leaf application, and painting, creating a visually rich ensemble.
This altarpiece structure incorporates a tribune and a throne, flanked by pilasters and columns that enrich the ensemble. The art of carving invites appreciation of the detail and mastery of the artists who executed it.
In addition to the worship space, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rock includes annexes attached to the nave, which once served as a residence for the hermit responsible for the chapel and as accommodation for pilgrims. This particularity in its stepped longitudinal plan, with the sacristy also adjacent to the chancel, reveals the multifaceted role the building has played over time, not only as a place of prayer but also as a support point for those who journeyed to it on pilgrimage.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.1687841,-7.8963563
Coordinates DMS: 38°10'7.6"N 07°53'46.9"W
Weather Cuba
On-duty Pharmacy Cuba
