Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Castelo Branco > Castelo Branco > Póvoa de Rio de Moinhos > Póvoa de Rio de Moinhos e Cafede
The Chapel of São Tiago is situated in an isolated spot, on top of a hill, immersed in the tranquility of a pine forest. Access is via a path that leads to a small churchyard. In this outdoor space, surrounded by a wall, it is possible to observe granite outcrops that mark the surrounding natural landscape. The chapel is located in the geographical area of Póvoa de Rio de Moinhos, in the municipality of Castelo Branco.
It is believed that the Chapel of São Tiago originated in the 17th century. It was built to serve the religious needs of four neighboring villages scattered throughout the area, taking advantage of its central location among them. Historical records from the mid-18th century mention the chapel, indicating its dedication to Saint James the Greater and the presence of a statue of the saint, depicted on horseback, on the altar. This equestrian representation of the Apostle, according to documents from the period, was commissioned by the residents of the surrounding villages themselves, a testament to the chapel's deep and lasting connection to the local community.
On the outside, the chapel reveals a simple structure with a rectangular floor plan, to which a side sacristy is attached. The plastered and whitewashed walls contrast with a visible pink-toned socle, with the exception of the main façade, where the base is raised in ashlar masonry. This west-facing façade is crowned by a gable and features a straight-lintel portal, flanked by two small, curved-top windows. On the side of the sacristy, a small bell-cot, made entirely of ashlar masonry, invites observation of its bell.
Upon entering the chapel, one discovers a welcoming space, clad in white, with a wooden ceiling and ceramic tile flooring. Near the entrance, a granite holy water stoup invites contemplation. The focal point of the interior is the main altarpiece, a remarkable piece of painted woodwork that likely dates back to the 17th century, although it underwent significant alterations in the second half of the 18th century. This Mannerist-style altarpiece features columns with unique decorations: some are Solomonic with diamond-shaped elements, while others display the Corinthian order with spirals on the lower part. These columns frame a central niche with a rounded arch, adorned with a shell motif, and are complemented by later Rococo-style decorations that enrich the upper section.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.9058614,-7.5145701
Coordinates DMS: 39°54'21.1"N 07°30'52.5"W
Weather Póvoa de Rio de Moinhos
On-duty Pharmacy Póvoa de Rio de Moinhos
