Chapel of the Holy Spirit

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Castelo Branco > Idanha-a-Nova > Idanha-a-Velha

Location

The Chapel of the Holy Spirit is located in the surrounding area of Idanha-a-Velha, slightly set apart from the more central area of the ancient settlement. It is situated near one of the entrances, in a relatively flat area, surrounded by fields that invite a more tranquil and bucolic atmosphere. This position grants it a certain peaceful isolation, without being far from the archaeological and architectural vestiges of the village.

History and Exterior Architecture

Although the Chapel's origin may date back to medieval times, as suggested by the structure of its interior triumphal arch, the configuration we observe today mainly dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. It is an example of simple religious architecture, in a regional Mannerist style, with a rectangular plan composed of a nave and chancel. The main facade, built in exposed granite ashlar, features sober lines. Prominently displayed above the straight lintel portal are symbolic elements such as a shell, the dove of the Holy Spirit depicted above a crown, and decorative volutes. The gable of the facade is topped by a Latin cross.

Interior and Highlighted Elements

The interior of the Chapel is austere, with plastered and painted walls. The ceiling is made of wood, following a "trough" shape, with iron beams. The floor is covered with irregular granite slabs. The nave and the narrower chancel are separated by a pointed triumphal arch, which points to an older construction than the rest of the structure. On the Gospel side, there is a 17th-century granite pulpit. Its circular guard displays varied decorations, including floral motifs, igneous symbols, and fleurs-de-lis. In the chancel, on the back wall, there is a niche housing the image of the patron saint and a painted altarpiece, from a later period.

The Cult of the Holy Spirit

This chapel is dedicated to the cult of the Holy Spirit, a devotion with strong roots in the Beira region since the Middle Ages. The very presence of the dove on the main facade is a direct symbol of this invocation. The building plays a role in the local religious context, maintaining the tradition associated with the cult for which it was erected. Its location and simplicity invite contemplation and allow one to feel the spiritual atmosphere that has enveloped this place throughout the centuries.

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