Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Bragança > Macedo de Cavaleiros > Amendoeira

Location:

The Chapel of Santa Maria Madalena is located in the village of Amendoeira, part of the municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros. The building occupies a central position in the village, situated on the east side of a square that functions as the main plaza. It is located next to National Road 102, with its churchyard surrounded by a simple wall, integrating harmoniously into the local urban environment and serving as a landmark in the landscape of Amendoeira.

Historical Origins

The construction of the Chapel of Santa Maria Madalena took place in the 17th century, a period that significantly shaped its initial structure. Visible marks on the building itself tell part of its history, such as the inscription on the main portal which points to the year 1680, indicating the probable completion date of the main body of the church. In the following century, in 1754, the sacristy was added to the north side. Interior decorative elements, such as the painting in the triumphal arch, show that the building continued to be enriched over time, with interventions recorded in 1780.

Exterior Architecture

Externally, the chapel exhibits characteristics that combine elements of Mannerist and Baroque styles. The main facade is marked by a gable that culminates in a belfry with two full-arch openings. The entrance portal is enhanced by a stonework frame and a triangular pediment. Above the lintel of the portal, a Latin inscription, "HEC EST DOMVS DEI ET PORTA CAELI", recalls that "This is the house of God and the gate of Heaven". Above the portal, a circular clock stands out on the facade. The side elevations are simpler, with windows and cornerstones highlighted by granite details.

Interior Richness

Upon entering the single-nave chapel, one discovers a remarkably decorated interior, where giltwood carving plays a role of great importance. On the right side of the nave (Epistle side), a gilt and painted altarpiece, with twisted columns and rich ornamentation, flanks a set of painted wooden panels depicting scenes from the Passion. The wooden ceiling of the nave features a curved profile. The triumphal arch, leading to the chancel, is one of the highlights of the decoration, with colorful painting on the interior and gilt and polychrome carving, including "bat-wing" motifs, on the exterior. On the sides of this arch, there are other gilt and polychrome altarpieces, with columns imitating grapevines and pediments decorated with volutes and bat-wing motifs. In the space above these side altars and in front of the triumphal arch, a false ceiling is decorated with sixteen painted panels, representing religious figures such as Apostles and Doctors of the Church.

The chancel, at the rear, is equally rich. The lower walls are covered with azulejo wainscoting. The main altarpiece is in giltwood, with a central throne featuring the representation of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by a dove. Laterally, painted wooden panels, framed by Solomonic columns, depict the figures of Saint Francis and Saint Cajetan. The wooden ceiling of the chancel, octagonal in shape, is painted with phytomorphic motifs, completing the visually stimulating atmosphere of this sacred space.

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