Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Braga > Braga > Braga > Tenões
The Chapel of the Ascension is located in Tenões, in the city of Braga, forming part of the monumental complex of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. It stands in the Terreiro dos Evangelistas (Evangelists' Terrace), at an elevated level, from where one can enjoy a wide and bright view over the Minho landscape. Its dominant position and the setting among trees and Baroque sculptures reinforce the sense of spiritual contemplation and elevation characteristic of this point on the pilgrimage route.
It is the seventeenth chapel of the complex, situated to the right of the statue of Saint John the Evangelist. The natural surroundings and the serenity of the location invite contemplation, making it one of the most harmonious and balanced spaces in the sanctuary.
Built around 1750 and attributed to the architect André Soares, the chapel is distinguished by its octagonal shape and the decorative elegance typical of Braga Baroque. The façade, made of stone and white plaster, features volutes, sculpted mouldings, and a cut pediment, emphasizing the building's verticality. The ensemble combines structural robustness with ornamental lightness, reflecting the characteristic style of the 18th century.
On the upper part of the façade is the Latin inscription “ASSUMPTUS EST IN CAELUM”, which means “he was taken up into heaven”, directly alluding to the chapel's central theme: the Ascension of Christ.
The interior features a remarkable polychrome wooden sculptural group representing the moment when Jesus Christ ascends to heaven, surrounded by angels and golden resplendors. On the ground, the apostles, the Marias, and other disciples contemplate the event with expressions of astonishment and reverence. In the centre, the Virgin Mary kneels in a gesture of adoration, turning her gaze towards her Son.
The figures, of great realism and dynamism, reveal the talent of the sculptors of the period, who knew how to combine movement, colour, and emotion. The play of natural light entering through the openings accentuates the drama of the scene and the contrast between the earthly and the divine worlds.
The Chapel of the Ascension represents the final episode of Christ's earthly life and concludes the cycle of chapels at Bom Jesus dedicated to His glorious life. The theme of the elevation to heaven is interpreted here in a luminous way, with a strong symbolism of transcendence and hope. The visitor is invited to raise their gaze as well, following the figure of Christ rising among clouds and cherubs.
The chapel's position, high on the mount and open to a stunning view, reinforces the spiritual meaning of the ascent and the connection between the human and the divine. It is a space that combines art, faith, and landscape in a composition of rare harmony and serenity.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.556231450558876,-8.375864903124757
Coordinates DMS: 41°33'22.4"N 08°22'33.1"W
