Museum of Sacred Art of the Lapa Chapel

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Braga > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Serralho

Location

Located in the heart of Vila Nova de Famalicão, the Sacred Art Museum of Lapa Chapel is situated in the Serralho area, more precisely in Largo Tinoco de Sousa. This central location places the space within the city's characteristic urban environment, allowing for a natural integration into the discovery of local cultural heritage.

Origins and Transformation

The building housing the museum has a rich history, beginning in the 16th century. On the site where Lapa Chapel now stands, around the 1570s, there was a hermitage dedicated to Saint Sebastian. This primitive structure was replaced in the 18th century by the current chapel, witnessing significant architectural and religious evolution in the Famalicão region.

Architecture and Interior Space

Upon entering Lapa Chapel, visitors observe notable artistic elements. Highlights include its three altars and the pulpit, which feature gilt woodwork in the rocaille style. The ceiling, clad in polychrome wood, displays delicate paintings with figures of angels and floral motifs, complemented by other paintings on granite present in the triumphal arch and windows. These details reflect the religious art of their time.

The Artistic Collection

Inaugurated in 1997, the museum houses a vast collection of Christian sacred art pieces. This collection, dated between the 18th and 20th centuries, mostly originates from the Parish of Santo Adrião de Vila Nova de Famalicão. The collection allows for an understanding of the region's religious and artistic heritage, showcasing objects that illustrate the profound connection between humanity and the divine universe over time.

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