Our Lady of Hope Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Beja > Castro Verde > Entradas

Location

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança is located in the village of Entradas, which is part of the municipality of Castro Verde. The building stands out in the southern part of the village, prominently positioned in a paved square surrounded by typical houses, offering a serene and traditional setting to visitors.

Its location, at an elevated point in the urban landscape, gives it a visibility that makes it a landmark for those arriving or strolling through Entradas, fitting harmoniously into the village's popular fabric.

History and Design

This religious building, classified as a Property of Public Interest, has its roots in the 16th century, with the date 1575 marking a moment of significant expansion. It is believed that the oldest structure corresponds to the current chancel, with the nave's body having been added later, transforming it into the chapel we know today.

Its construction was sponsored by D. Bartolomeu Leitão, a Bishop of Cape Verde born precisely in Entradas. This historical fact led to the site also being known by another evocative name: Chapel of the Bishop of Entradas. The chapel combines, in its general lines, the sobriety of the Mannerist style in the nave with Manueline touches visible in the chancel, revealing an architectural evolution over time.

Interior and Artistic Elements

Inside the chapel, visitors encounter a singular nave covered by a barrel vault. The triumphal arch, richly adorned with carved woodwork, introduces the chancel, which stands out for its dome adorned with 16th-century mural paintings. These artistic representations include figures of saints such as Saint Amaro, Saint Sebastian, Saint Lawrence, Saint Lucy, and Saint Blaise, set within decorative elements of the period.

The main altar, in Baroque style, stands out for its elaborate gilded carving, where delicate figures of pelicans can be observed. It features three symmetrical niches, framed by Solomonic columns, housing images of Saint Mary. The ensemble is topped by a representation of the Mystery of the Holy Trinity, inviting careful observation of the artistic and symbolic details.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt