Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Braga > Braga > Braga > São João do Souto
The Chapel of Our Lady of Conceição, known as Coimbras Chapel or Chapel of the Dead Lord, is harmoniously integrated into the heart of the historic city of Braga, in the parish of São João do Souto.
This remarkable space is embedded in the city's consolidated urban fabric, offering visitors an immersive discovery in the center of Braga, where ancient architecture and the pulse of city life intertwine in environments of profound cultural significance.
The origin of the Chapel of Our Lady of Conceição dates back to the early 16th century, being a project by the Bishop of Lamego, D. João de Coimbra, who had it built around 1525.
Initially conceived as the private chapel of Casa dos Coimbras, the residence of this influential Braga family, the site is a testament to the devotion and noble status of the time. The popular designation of Chapel of the Dead Lord is due to the venerated image of the recumbent Christ it houses, an object of particular reverence and devotion throughout the centuries.
The chapel is a singular example displaying a fascinating fusion of styles, with a predominance of Manueline and Renaissance influences, characteristic of the period in which it was built. Its facade, though discreet in its urban integration, reveals sculptural details of great mastery and symbolism.
Inside, the space, though compact, surprises with its artistic richness. The visitor's eyes are drawn to the polychrome tile panels that adorn the walls, narrating scenes and decorative patterns that enrich the atmosphere. The main altarpiece and, especially, the image of the Dead Lord, are highlights for their expressiveness and devotional importance. The site also houses the tomb of D. João de Coimbra, its founder, underlining the family and historical connection of the space.
Beyond its architectural beauty and valuable artistic collection, the Chapel of Our Lady of Conceição plays a relevant symbolic role in Braga's heritage. It represents the intersection between ecclesiastical power and the nobility of the era, who, through sacred art, left a legacy of faith and culture.
The continuous devotion to the Dead Lord reflects the depth of Portuguese religious traditions. Visiting this place is to delve into a fragment of Braga's history, where spirituality and art meet, providing a moment of reflection and appreciation of a unique and well-preserved heritage.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_e_Capela_dos_Coimbras
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.5498933,-8.4247475
Coordinates DMS: 41°32'59.6"N 08°25'29.1"W
Weather Braga
On-duty Pharmacy Braga
