Chapel of St. Peter of Sólis

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Beja > Mértola > São Pedro de Solis > Pedregal

Location and Environment

The Chapel of S. Pedro de Sólis stands in an isolated position, atop a hill, in the Pedregal area, belonging to the village of São Pedro de Solis, in the municipality of Mértola. This rural setting, about five hundred meters north of the village, provides an atmosphere of tranquility. Its walled and paved churchyard with stone benches invites a serene pause, flanked by the public cemetery, which accentuates the contemplative atmosphere of the place.

Period and Style Traits

The construction of the Chapel of S. Pedro de Sólis dates back to the 15th century, featuring elements that mark the beginning of the Manueline style in the region. The formal simplicity of its stonework and portals is a notable characteristic of this phase. Over the centuries, the building was enriched, notably with the bell tower in the 18th century and the incorporation of the altarpiece and pulpit in the 19th century. These later additions reveal an interesting popular and vernacular interpretation of the Baroque style, typical of the Baixo Alentejo, contrasting with the original sobriety of the chapel.

Architectural and Decorative Details

The chapel features an elongated plan, with a single nave preceding a narrower chancel. The main access is through an ogival portal, sculpted in stonework and adorned with rosettes. On the south side facade, a polylobed arch portal, also in stonework and flanked by stone benches, invites entry. Inside, the nave is divided by stone arches supporting a wooden ceiling. Notable features include a holy water font in stonework and a wooden pulpit, richly crafted with panels and polychromy. The chancel, covered by a ribbed vault, houses a main altar with an altarpiece and tabernacle of gilded and polychrome carving, complemented by side niches and corbels.

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