Saint Anthony Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Braga > Cabeceiras de Basto > Abadim > Santo António

Location:

The Chapel of Saint Anthony is located in the village of Abadim, in the municipality of Cabeceiras de Basto. It is situated in the urbanisation area that shares the saint's name, occupying a central place in the village. It is set in a square that serves as a meeting point for various paths, surrounded by the tranquility of the surrounding houses and yards.

Origin and History

This place of worship dedicated to Saint Anthony has a long history in the parish of Abadim. Although there are references to the existence of a chapel with this invocation as early as 1726, the building we see today was constructed later, as attested by the date inscribed on its main facade: 1761. It is very likely that the current chapel was erected precisely on the same site where the older construction was located, thus maintaining the religious tradition at this point in the community.

Exterior Aspects

The chapel features religious architecture with characteristics from the 18th century. It has a simple and elongated plan, with walls constructed using a combination of stones that gives the building a distinctive look. The main facade has a straight frame around the door, above which stands a pediment decorated with curved elements and a shell, where the date of its construction is engraved. Above this ensemble, an oculus with a four-lobed shape allows natural light into the interior. The corners of the chapel are finished with pilasters supporting pinnacles, some adorned with shapes evoking flowers. On one side, there is an additional door and a small bell tower with an arched opening.

An Interior Look

Inside, the chapel reveals a welcoming space, with elements reflecting the era of its construction and subsequent interventions. The wooden ceiling was painted blue to simulate a vault. The walls feature a lower wainscoting with colourful tiles. There is a high choir, also made of wood, accessible by a simple staircase. Opposite the choir, there is a pulpit built of granite, with a wooden guardrail. The chancel area, slightly raised, has a stone slab floor. On the main wall, a central niche houses the images, with a highlight on that of Saint Anthony, the patron of the chapel.

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