Saint Anne's Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Braga > Vila Verde > Passô > Valbom (São Pedro), Passô e Valbom (São Martinho)

Location

The Chapel of Santa Ana is located in the village of Passô, part of the municipality of Vila Verde. It is situated in a rural area, slightly above the level of the path that flanks it.

Surrounded by houses and characteristic regional terrain, the chapel is located on the periphery of the settlement, offering a calm and traditional atmosphere to its visitors.

Architecture and Structure

This chapel exhibits characteristics of religious architecture from the Mannerist period. It has a simple longitudinal plan, composed of a single nave and a rectangular porch attached to the main facade.

The porch is supported by four robust columns and includes stone benches next to the low wall that surrounds it. Its ceiling reveals the original wooden structure. The main facade is topped by cornerstones with pinnacles and, on the gable, displays a full-arch bell-gable surmounted by a cross. The portal has a straight lintel and is flanked by two square windows. The side elevations have a cornice and rectangular windows that allowed for the illumination of the altar.

History and Local Memory

It is believed that the construction of this chapel dates back to the 17th century. Throughout time, it has always served a religious function, being initially used for worship and maintaining that purpose currently, although its interior is in a state of degradation, lacking the nave's roof.

Local inhabitants' memory associates this chapel with an old Quinta do Vale or da Vale. It is remembered for hosting an important annual pilgrimage in the past, which attracted many people, even from distant villages. There is a strong community sentiment towards the chapel, with the local people and the parish council having acted to prevent its relocation to another site. The images of the saints that were once in the chapel, namely Saint Anne, Saint Joachim, and Saint Sebastian, are now stored in the Parish Mother Church.

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