Chapel of Our Lady of Pleasures

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Bragança > Torre de Moncorvo > Torre de Moncorvo

Location

The Chapel of Our Lady of Pleasures is located in the historic center of the town of Torre de Moncorvo, integrated into the medieval area. Its facade stands out on one of the streets near the locality's main square.

It is physically connected to the building of an old manor house, contributing to the uniqueness of the architectural complex it occupies.

The Exterior Architecture

Observing the Chapel of Our Lady of Pleasures from the exterior, it is noticeable that it forms part of a larger building, an old noble manor house. The main facade, west-facing, is divided into three distinct sections, one of which is dedicated to the chapel.

In the chapel section, its Mannerist-style portal stands out, flanked by Ionic pilasters. The entablature above the portal features decoration with geometric motifs, where the date 1714, the moment of its construction, is inscribed. Above, a coat of arms with the blazons of the Gouveia, Melos, Castros, and Vasconcelos families is prominent. The chapel is topped by a bell-gable, decorated with elements that already point to the early Baroque style, such as volutes.

The Interior and the Richness of the Carving

Inside, the chapel reveals a single nave, with a granite slab floor and a wooden ceiling that simulates a vault, decorated with coffers and painted panels.

The true focal point is the main altarpiece, dedicated to Our Lady of Pleasures. This altar is a remarkable piece of gilded and polychrome carving, characteristic of the national Baroque style. It features six twisted columns, richly adorned with vegetal motifs, such as vine leaves and acanthus, as well as figures like phoenixes, angels, and cherubs. The central niche, framed by this opulent carving, contains a painted background with a false canopy.

History and Significance

Built at the beginning of the 18th century as an integral part of Solar dos Vasconcelos, the Chapel of Our Lady of Pleasures reflects the importance and devotion of the family who built it, as attested by the date 1714 inscribed on its portal and the presence of the family coats of arms.

Classified as a Property of Public Interest, this chapel originally served the noble residence to which it is connected. Throughout its history, the manor house building also had other uses, such as hosting the first headquarters of the Moncorvense Club, marking the social life of the town.

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