Chapel of Our Lady of Piety

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Beja > Odemira > Odemira > Bairro do Símplicio

Location

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade stands on an isolated hill, with views over the surrounding landscape, on the south bank of the Mira River, next to the village of Odemira. Its location offers a serene and distinctive setting, nestled within the vast protected area of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The chapel's outdoor space features a walled churchyard and a bandstand, inviting moments of tranquility and observation.

Origin and Relevance

This temple, also known as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, was built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its construction aimed to replace an old sanctuary, located closer to the river, which was frequently affected by floods. The move to this higher and safer location, although initially met with some popular resistance, solidified the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade as the central point of devotion to the patron saint of Odemira, a figure of great significance to the local community.

Architecture and Details

The chapel's architecture is marked by a fascinating fusion of influences. It features vernacular elements combined with Neo-Rococo, Neo-Baroque, and 19th-century touches, resulting in an eclectic style. Its main facade, facing east, stands out with a curved stone lintel portal, topped by large windows and an oval oculus. Laterally, the square-plan bell tower culminates in a bulbous dome.

Inside, the single nave houses a high choir and a three-plane stuccoed ceiling. Particularly notable is the Neo-Rococo pulpit, richly ornamented with gilded and polychrome carving, which captures the eye. The lateral altars and the main altar, in turn, complement the artistic richness of the space with their retables, similarly decorated with gilded and polychrome carving, highlighting the beauty and symbolism of this place of worship.

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