Chapel of Our Lady of Viso

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Braga > Celorico de Basto > Audiência > Caçarilhe e Infesta

Location and Panorama

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Viso stands in isolation on the top of a hillock, at the junction of the parishes of Caçarilhe and Infesta, in Audiência, Celorico de Basto. This elevated position, amidst large granite formations and pasture areas dotted with pine trees, grants the site an exceptional visual dominance.

From the chapel's forecourt, the view encompasses the vast basin of the Tâmega River, stretching across a natural landscape that invites observation and enjoyment of the surrounding tranquility.

A History of Faith

The history of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Viso probably dates back to the 17th century, the period when it is believed that a first chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Viso was erected. Over the centuries, the space was referenced in historical documents as a hermitage and, later, as a dependent chapel.

Over time, the building underwent significant renovations, particularly in the 19th century, which altered its current facade, and an interior renewal in the 20th century. Currently, the chapel is recognized as a sanctuary, remaining a place of worship and devotion, where the popular tradition of seeking the Virgin's intercession for judgment or wisdom persists.

Architectural Features

The religious architecture of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Viso features predominant 19th-century traits. Its structure is composed of a single nave and a chancel, discernible only on the interior, and adjoining volumes that include a sacristy and a hall. The facades are built of granite stonework, with ashlar in irregular courses, and are whitewashed, finished with cornices and stringcourses.

The main facade, facing east, is gabled and crowned by a Latin cross. The semicircular arch portal stands out, with a geometric decorative element at the keystone, and a circular oculus above. Inside, granite predominates, both on the floor of the main altar and on the walls, complemented by a varnished wooden barrel vault ceiling. The choir loft, of more recent construction, rests on stone corbels, with a wooden and iron balustrade, and the triumphal arch is a perfect semicircle, over Tuscan pilasters.

The Forecourt and Contemplation

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Viso is surrounded by a ground-level forecourt, enclosed by a stone wall. This space rests on an elevated granite platform, accessible by a front staircase and a side ramp. The forecourt provides an area of quietude and serenity, inviting recollection and contemplation of the landscape.

It is a place where the simplicity of the religious building merges with the immensity of the rural environment, offering a refuge for those seeking peace and contact with nature and local heritage.

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