Upper Room Chapel or Cenacle

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Braga > Braga > Braga > Tenões

Chapel of the Last Supper or of the Cenacle

Location

The Chapel of the Last Supper, also known as the Chapel of the Cenacle, marks the beginning of the devotional path of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, in the parish of Nogueiró e Tenões, municipality of Braga. It is located to the right for those ascending the Escadório do Pórtico, in an area surrounded by dense vegetation and offering wide views of the hillside. The tranquility of the place and the natural setting create an environment conducive to meditation and introspection.

Architecture and Characteristics

Commissioned between 1719 and 1725 by Archbishop D. Rodrigo de Moura Teles, this is the first chapel of the Via Sacra of Bom Jesus. It features a cubic floor plan with a square pyramid roof, topped by a stone sphere. The granite facade displays a simple pediment and a perfectly arched portal, surmounted by the episcopal coat of arms and a Latin inscription. The sobriety of the construction reflects the spiritual and contemplative spirit that marks the entire sanctuary.

Biblical Inspiration and Sculptural Ensemble

The interior houses a group of fourteen life-size figures depicting the Last Supper of Christ with the twelve Apostles. Jesus is seated at the center of a large table, under an ornamented canopy, at the moment he institutes the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Apostles, arranged around the table, express different emotions and attitudes, while Saint Mark stands, serving the table. The ensemble conveys an atmosphere of solemnity and sharing, introducing the visitor to the symbolic journey of the Passion.

Inscription and Meaning

Above the portal, the Latin inscription “Coena facta… accepit Iesus panem et ait comedite: hoc est corpus meum” translates to “When they were eating, Jesus took bread and said: eat; this is my body”. The phrase, taken from the Gospels of John (13:2) and Matthew (26:26), summarizes the spiritual meaning of the chapel and reinforces the central theme of communion and self-giving. This is the starting point of the itinerary of faith that extends through the remaining chapels of Bom Jesus do Monte.

Go to the Chapel of Agony or of the Garden

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