Santa Luzia Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Braga > Amares > Vasconcelos > Prozelo

Location

The Chapel of Santa Luzia is located in Vasconcelos, part of the Prozelo area, in the municipality of Amares. It is situated in a paved square, characterized by a tranquil and rural atmosphere, facing the main road that serves this locality.

Its position in this space provides a local landmark, easily identifiable for those travelling through the area.

Architectural Features

The chapel presents a combination of styles, showing influences of Mannerism and Neoclassicism. It has a longitudinal plan, comprising a single nave and a slightly narrower chancel, attached to the main body. The volumes are stepped, with the chancel being lower.

The exterior facades are built of granite, with a visible base painted white. Notable features include the pilasters at the corners, crowned by pyramidal pinnacles, and the gable ends topped with crosses. The main, oriented facade features a straight lintel portal, flanked by two small windows. Above the portal, there is a straight cornice surmounted by an inscription.

The Interior and the Altarpiece

Upon entering the chapel, one observes a simple interior, with white plastered and painted walls. The nave is covered by a varnished wooden barrel vault, with a red tile floor that includes a central corridor of white tiles. There is a wooden choir loft, supported by a balustrade, accessible by a staircase.

The triumphal arch, of perfect curve, marks the transition to the chancel. This space, slightly raised by two steps, has a roof identical to that of the nave. The altarpiece stands out, a piece of gilded and polychrome carving in shades of white, pink, and grey. With a straight structure, it includes delicate ornamentation, topped by a back panel with vegetal motifs and flanked by urns. In the centre, a niche houses the images of the patron saint, framed by Corinthian order columns.

Memory and History

The history of the Chapel of Santa Luzia dates back to different periods of intervention. It is known that the chapel underwent a reconstruction in the 17th century. Subsequently, in the 19th century, the main altarpiece that can be seen today was added.

On the main facade, there is an inscription that testifies to part of its history: "ESTA CAPELA HE SAG / RADA E SECUNDA VES RE / EDIFICADA TEM RELIQUI / AS NO ALTAR INDVLG". This inscription suggests the consecration of the site and its reconstruction, also mentioning the existence of relics on the altar.

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