Upper Room Chapel or Cenacle

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Braga > Braga > Braga > Nogueiró e Tenões

Location

The Chapel of the Last Supper or of the Cenacle is located in the parish of Nogueiró e Tenões, in the municipality of Braga. Situated in a tranquil and predominantly natural environment, its location allows visitors serene contact with the surrounding area, characterized by a pleasant landscape.

Architectural Features

The Chapel of the Last Supper or of the Cenacle features architecture of particular historical relevance. It is characterized by a cubic plan, with a main door, and is topped by a square pyramid and a sphere at the apex. This distinctive design reflects the original conception of D. Rodrigo de Moura Teles, then Archbishop of Braga, who promoted the construction of this and other structures during the period.

The Sculptural Scene and its Significance

Inside the Chapel of the Last Supper, visitors are confronted with a striking representation of the biblical episode of the Last Supper. The sculptural ensemble, composed of life-size figures, captures the essence of this crucial moment in the Christian narrative, conveying an atmosphere of solemnity and reflection.

On its façade, a Latin inscription invites contemplation of its profound meaning: "Coena facta... accepit Jesus panen... et ait... commedite: Hoc est corpus meum." This passage, which translates as "The supper ended... Jesus took bread... and said eat: this is my body," underlines the theological importance of the scene presented there.

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