Saint Peter's Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Castelo Branco > Castelo Branco > Sarzedas

Location

The Chapel of São Pedro is located in the serene village of Sarzedas, part of the municipality of Castelo Branco. Situated in a predominantly rural environment, in the area known as Quinta da Várzea and close to the Meimoa Stream, the chapel benefits from a peaceful setting. This natural landscape, with its thickets and shrubs, invites a moment of pause and contemplation, far from the hustle and bustle.

An Ancient Legacy

The history of the Chapel of São Pedro probably dates back to the 16th century, the period when its construction is presumed. However, the building seen today is also the result of a reconstruction that occurred in the 19th century, which altered part of its original appearance. Throughout the 20th century, the chapel fell into ruin, a testament to the passage of time and the resilience of heritage. A notable fact is that, during archaeological excavations carried out in 2006, traces of even older periods were discovered on the site, including a Roman altar and a necropolis, suggesting a human presence and a rich past long predating the chapel itself.

Architecture and Revelations

In architectural terms, the Chapel of São Pedro has a transverse rectangular plan, with a nave and a slightly narrower chancel, a configuration uncommon in the region. The main facade is distinctive, protected by a porch resting on granite pillars, which precedes the main door with a straight lintel. Inside, although the floor is earthen and the wooden roof structure is partially damaged, what most captures attention are the walls of the chancel. Here, one can observe the ingenious reuse of circular stones, which once might have been Roman columns, found in the vicinity and integrated into the construction. This unique detail offers a visible link to a distant past and the continuous reuse of materials over the centuries.

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