Saint Andrew's Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Bragança > Vila Flor > Sampaio > Santo André

Location

Situated in the locality of Sampaio, in the municipality of Vila Flor, the Chapel of Saint Andrew (Capela de Santo André) is integrated into the area which, in turn, is also named Santo André. It is located at a point within the village, accessible within the typical environment of the area where it is inserted.

Historical Origins

This religious building boasts an ancient history, with indications of an original construction that may date back to the Late Middle Ages. Over the centuries, the building underwent transformations, the most significant being a major reconstruction that occurred in the 18th century, which largely shaped the chapel's current appearance.

Structure and Exterior

The Chapel of Saint Andrew features an architecture of simple and functional lines. Its structure is composed of a single longitudinal nave. Adjoining this is a rectangular chancel, and a sacristy attached to the main body of the building. On the main facade, attention is focused on the straight-lintel portal and, above it, on the double bell-gable that characterizes the frontispiece.

Interior Details

Inside the chapel, the atmosphere invites observation of its artistic elements. Noteworthy are the secondary altarpieces, distributed along the lateral spaces of the nave. In the chancel, the central point is occupied by the main altarpiece, remarkable for its polychrome carving, which adds color and detail to the altar area.

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