Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Bragança > Freixo de Espada à Cinta > Freixo de Espada à Cinta > Montes Ermos
The Chapel of Our Lady of Montes Ermos is located atop a hilltop, approximately two kilometers from the town of Freixo de Espada à Cinta. This elevated point, known locally as Serro de São Brás or Cabecinho, offers an isolated position with expansive views over the surrounding area.
From the chapel's churchyard, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view encompassing the town of Freixo de Espada à Cinta and the surrounding rural landscape, creating an atmosphere of contemplation connected to the natural beauty of the location.
The construction of the current chapel dates back to the mid-17th century. This sanctuary was built on the same site where a much older chapel, dedicated to Saint Blaise, previously stood.
The connection between the Chapel of Saint Blaise and the current one is strong in local tradition. A legend tells that, after construction began at a different site, the workers' tools mysteriously appeared on the hilltop, indicating that it was there the divine will intended the temple to be built. This story may be related to the reuse of materials from the old Chapel of Saint Blaise for the new construction. The presence of a religious structure on this hilltop predates the current one, with the primitive Chapel of Saint Blaise being represented in a drawing by Duarte de Armas from 1509.
The chapel features architecture marked by simplicity and unadornedness. It has a quadrangular plan, with a compact mass and a pyramidal roof, painted white and topped with a cross.
The facades are plastered and whitewashed, with a straight finish at the cornice. The main facade, facing south, is notable for a straight lintel portal with a simple frame, flanked by two small square openings. The interior maintains the same simplicity, with white walls and a niche in the back wall housing the image of the Virgin and Child.
This place functions as a sanctuary of great importance to Freixo de Espada à Cinta. Our Lady of Montes Ermos has been the Patroness of the town since the 18th century.
Strong devotion to the saint is manifested annually in a festivity that includes a significant procession. During this celebration, the image of the Virgin is transported from the chapel on the hilltop to the Parish Church in the town, where it remains for a period of three days before returning to its sanctuary. The procession keeps alive the memory of the old chapel, also including the images of Saint Blaise and Blessed Nuno, linked to ancient community traditions.
The chapel is situated within a raised circular enclosure, delimited by a stone wall. The main access is through a gate flanked by pillars with pinnacles, followed by a staircase and a paved walkway leading to the chapel.
This outdoor space, also paved around the chapel and landscaped with some trees, creates an inviting area for lingering. Beyond the religious and historical significance of the site, its rural setting atop the hilltop provides an atmosphere of peace and allows for contemplation of the vast landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.1050672,-6.8043093
Coordinates DMS: 41°06'18.2"N 06°48'15.5"W
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