Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Braga > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Vila Nova de Famalicão
The Chapel of Lusíada University stands on a promontory north of Vila Nova de Famalicão, aligned with the old Misericórdia Hospital. The urban surroundings combine residential areas with green spaces, offering a serene perspective of the city center. On the east side facade, there is an oratory dedicated to Senhor do Cabido, integrated into a wall that reinforces the historical dimension of the place.
Access is via a quiet street, which highlights the contrast between the city's flow and the tranquil corner where the chapel is located.
The original construction probably dates back to the 16th century, initially being invoked as Saint Sebastian, a protector against the plague. In the mid-18th century, it was rebuilt, coming to bear the name of Nossa Senhora da Lapa (Our Lady of the Grotto), and aligned with the hospital building and the bell tower that had been erected in the meantime.
The exterior volume maintains a main door in simple stonework and a discreet bell tower. Inside, the organization into a single nave, choir loft, and stone pulpit reflects the constructive solutions of the late Baroque period.
Since its conversion into a museum at the end of the 1990s, the space has housed devotional and liturgical pieces spanning several centuries. A golden-wood and marble altarpiece framing the main altar stands out, a representative example of the Baroque style. Also noteworthy are the 18th-century wooden image of Nossa Senhora da Lapa and the 17th-century gilded metal monstrance.
The artworks are protected by display cases, while maintaining the chapel's original appearance. The space also integrates the historical archive of the archpriest of Vila Nova de Famalicão, lending a documentary aspect that complements its artistic dimension.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.4102973501408,-8.522313844710174
Coordinates DMS: 41°24'37.1"N 08°31'20.3"W
Weather Vila Nova de Famalicão
On-duty Pharmacy Vila Nova de Famalicão
