Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Braga > Braga > Senhora da Rocha
The Chapel of the Praetorium of Pilate is located in the town of Senhora da Rocha, in the municipality of Braga. Built in a space of notable amplitude and at an elevated level, the chapel is integrated into a setting that invites a comprehensive view of the surrounding landscape.
In its atrium, where the building is situated, the ground is adorned by a vibrant mosaic design, crafted with stones of white and black hues, meticulously arranged in frames of worked stonework, conferring a unique visual element to the site.
Built in the early 19th century, this building is distinguished by its octagonal floor plan, a characteristic that gives it architectural singularity and contributes to its distinct presence in the landscape.
On the main portico of the chapel, there is an inscription engraved in Latin: «EXIVIT… PILATUS FORAS, ET DICIT… ECCE HOMO». This phrase, which translates into Portuguese as «Pilate went out and said: Behold the Man», serves as an immediate preamble to the central theme and the profound symbolism of the scene that unfolds inside the building.
The interior of the Chapel of the Praetorium of Pilate houses a notable sculptural ensemble, authored by João Evangelista Vieira, composed of two figures: one of Pilate and another of Jesus.
This artistic ensemble represents the crucial moment when Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd. The sculpted scene captures the essence of Pilate's dilemma, who, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, found himself powerless to release him due to popular pressure. The sculptures encourage reflection on this biblical episode of profound relevance, which culminated in Jesus' condemnation, notwithstanding Pilate's attempt to appeal to the people's compassion.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.554358637115016, -8.379382826208602
Coordinates DMS: 41°33'15.7"N 08°22'45.8"W
On-duty Pharmacy Senhora da Rocha
