Chapel of Our Lady of Incense

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Castelo Branco > Penamacor > Penamacor

Location

The Chapel of Our Lady of Incense is situated on the outskirts of Penamacor, approximately three kilometers southwest of the village. It stands out in a rural landscape, next to the road leading towards Fundão. The site comprises a large enclosure surrounding the chapel, with wooded areas and an extensive granite paved churchyard in front, inviting a moment of pause.

At the entrance to this enclosure, a stone cross is visible, marking the approach to the sanctuary and integrating into the atmosphere of contemplation and tradition associated with this space.

Origins and History

The history of the Chapel of Our Lady of Incense probably dates back to the 16th century. It is believed that its establishment is linked to D. Jorge de Meneses, as a gesture of gratitude for being saved from a severe storm. Initially dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Prado, the chapel gained its current name due to a legend. It is said that, during a celebration where incense was lacking, it miraculously appeared in the temple, filling the space with its aroma and giving rise to the new name.

Over the centuries, the site asserted itself as an important center of devotion. In 1707, the original hermitage, known to have had three naves, was rebuilt, and in the 18th century, the Penamacor Town Council instituted an annual pilgrimage vow to the sanctuary, keeping alive a tradition that endured for generations.

Architecture and Exterior

The Chapel of Our Lady of Incense features an architecture that combines Mannerist and Baroque elements, resulting from interventions carried out over time. The chapel has a simple longitudinal plan, with a nave and chancel. The exterior, plastered and painted white, stands out for its granite stone moldings on the openings and quoins.

The main facade, facing east, is topped by a triangular pediment. It features a straight-lintel portal flanked by large windows with curved tops, a feature that reveals a later alteration in the 18th century. Above the portal, a niche houses the stone image of Our Lady. The quoins are pilastered and topped with pinnacles, lending a particular rhythm to the facade.

The Interior

Inside the chapel, the walls are simple, painted white with a grey lower band. The nave's ceiling is a false wooden barrel vault, decorated with painting. This painting includes an acanthus border and, at the center, a panel with the image of Our Lady flanked by angels.

The interior space also features a wooden choir loft, supported by columns, and a pulpit on the left side, decorated with gilded Baroque carving. The perfect-arch triumphal arch separates the nave from the chancel, where the Baroque-style main altarpiece in gilded carving is located, with twisted columns and a central tribune housing the main image. The side chapels, arranged at an angle, also display carved altarpieces, painted to imitate marble, dedicated to Saint Rita and Saint Vincent Ferrer. An interesting detail is the Mannerist stone lavabo, present in the sacristy.

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