Santa Ana Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Bragança > Vinhais > Soutilha

Location

Situated on top of a hill, outside the village of Soutilha, the Chapel of Santa Ana is located in a tranquil rural setting. It is surrounded by trees, including chestnut trees. In the area surrounding the chapel, there is a spacious courtyard with stone tables arranged under the trees, ideal for a moment of rest. At the beginning of this courtyard, the cruzeiro stands. From the site, one can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

Origin and Devotion

The history of the Chapel of Santa Ana likely dates back to the 17th or 18th centuries. As early as 1758, historical documents referred to the great devotion to Santa Ana that existed at this site. The belief in the saint's image, associated with the granting of graces, has made the site, and continues to make it, a point of pilgrimage and worship. Over the years, the chapel has undergone enlargements and conservation works, such as those carried out in 2008.

Architectural Features and Interiors

The Chapel of Santa Ana features a rectangular plan construction, composed of the main nave and the chancel. On the exterior, the facade stands out with its entrance porch and the bell-gable at the top. The walls are plastered and painted white, contrasting with the granite stonework elements. Inside, the ambiance is marked by the curved-profile wooden ceiling. The most prominent element is the main altarpiece, in polychrome baroque carving, which occupies the chancel, and the pulpit on the Gospel side.

The Churchyard and the Landscape

The outdoor area of the chapel, a vast courtyard with stone tables protected by the shade of the trees, offers a pleasant place for a break and socializing, especially during festive occasions. It is in this courtyard that the cruzeiro marking the site is also located. The chapel's elevated position provides expansive panoramic views of the surrounding area, reinforcing the sense of tranquility and rural isolation.

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