Procession Float of Our Lord of the Steps

Category: Religious Architecture > Station (Via Crucis)

District: Beja > Vidigueira > Selmes > Calvário

Location

The 'Passo da Procissão de Nosso Senhor dos Passos' (Station of the Procession of Our Lord of the Steps) is located in the Calvário area, in Selmes, a village belonging to the municipality of Vidigueira. This position, at a point evoking the name "Calvário" (Calvary), suggests a natural elevation or an area on the periphery of the village, from which the surroundings can be observed. The site is set within the typical Alentejo landscape, characterized by a particular serenity and wide horizons.

Memory and Devotion

This "Passo" (Station) constitutes one of the stopping points of a traditional religious procession, reflecting local devotion. It represents one of the Stations of the Cross, the path taken by Christ to Calvary, inviting meditation on the moments of the Passion. Its existence attests to the depth of religious practices and the cultural heritage of the Selmes community, which has kept these traditions alive throughout the centuries.

Architecture and Environment

The structure of the 'Passo da Procissão de Nosso Senhor dos Passos' is typically simple, in accordance with the devotional buildings that dot the Portuguese rural landscapes. It is generally a small niche or chapel of modest dimensions, with an architecture that blends into the simplicity of Alentejo housing. Its design prioritizes functionality and symbolism, creating an environment conducive to reflection and recollection, in harmony with the quietness of the Alentejo.

Views and Contemplation

Given its denomination and location on "Calvário" (Calvary), it is expected that this 'Passo' provides a particular view over the surrounding area. It is a place where one can appreciate the quietness of the Alentejo countryside, with its characteristic gentle undulations and vegetation. This natural setting and the symbolic importance of the 'Passo' combine to offer a point of interest that invites pause and attentive observation of the landscape and the spiritual legacy of the site.

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