Chapel of Our Lady of Aracelis

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Beja > Castro Verde > São Marcos da Ataboeira

Location

The Chapel of Corte da Velha is nestled in the heart of Baixo Alentejo, more precisely in the serene village and parish of São Marcos da Ataboeira, in the municipality of Castro Verde, district of Beja. Set within a landscape of vast plains and open horizons, the chapel offers an authentic glimpse into the rural Alentejo environment, where time seems to slow down and tranquility prevails.

Its geographical setting is marked by the stillness of the countryside, far from the urban hustle and bustle, providing an experience of peaceful isolation and immersion in the nature characteristic of these southern lands.

Architecture and Character

The Chapel of Corte da Velha, as an example of popular rural Alentejo architecture, reflects the simplicity and functionality that characterize many of its rural counterparts. Typically, these buildings feature a modest structure, with whitewashed walls that gleam under the intense Alentejo light.

It is common to find a simple doorway inviting entry and, at times, a discreet bell-gable rising above the roof, giving it an unmistakable profile on the landscape. Its interior, though devoid of grand ornamentation, invites introspection and contemplation, revealing a space of sincere and unadorned devotion.

Meaning and Cultural Context

The name "Corte da Velha" evokes a deep connection to local history and the region's ancestral traditions, suggesting a possible link to old rural properties or prominent figures from the past. These chapels were, and often still are, points of reference and worship for rural communities, marking the human presence on vast agricultural estates or in small settlements.

Its existence in this landscape points to centuries of life and work in the countryside, where faith played a central role in daily life. Surrounding the chapel, the natural environment completes the experience, with the sounds of the countryside and the scent of the earth underscoring the authenticity of this Alentejo corner, inviting one to enjoy a moment of peace and reflection.

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