Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Beja > Cuba > Vila Ruiva > Centro
The Chapel of Saint Sebastian is situated on the outskirts of Vila Ruiva, in the municipality of Cuba. Positioned on a small elevation, slightly set apart from the more central area of the village, its location lends it a certain atmosphere of serenity, ideal for those seeking a moment of pause and reflection.
This chapel has its roots in the early 16th century, the period when its construction began. Over the years, it underwent several interventions that shaped its current appearance. The entrance portal and some of the interior paintings date from the 17th century, reflecting the Mannerist style. Later, in the 19th century, specifically in 1866, the chancel underwent a renovation that included its pictorial redecoration.
The Chapel of Saint Sebastian features a typical structure of the religious constructions in the region, with a single nave and a narrower chancel. Despite its apparent exterior simplicity, marked by whitewashed walls and a gabled tiled roof, its interior holds elements of interest. The chancel, in particular, displays a ribbed vault, a vestige of the Manueline period, and a bas-relief carved in polychrome limestone, depicting the figure of Saint Sebastian, the patron saint.
Also noteworthy are the mural paintings that adorn the space. In the nave, representations such as that of the Holy Trinity can be observed. In the starry vault of the chancel, details painted in blue and red, along with decorative rosettes, enrich the ambiance, showcasing the artistic evolution over the centuries.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.2496111,-7.9374745
Coordinates DMS: 38°14'58.6"N 07°56'14.9"W