Chapel of Our Lady of the Conception (Buarcos)

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Coimbra > Figueira da Foz > Buarcos > Várzea

Location

Located next to the defensive wall of Buarcos, in Figueira da Foz.

History

- Built in the 16th century, originally dedicated to Our Lady of the Rivers (Nossa Senhora das Ribas).

- After the Restoration, it became dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception (Nossa Senhora da Conceição), patron saint of Portugal.

Exterior Architecture

- Simple exterior, with three straight lintel doors and two windows.

- Main facade with a rectangular window and a small bell gable.

- Rectangular plan with a single nave and main chapel.

Interior

- Rich in contrast to the modest exterior.

- Main altar and side altars decorated with Baroque gilded carvings, featuring spiral columns and vine and grape ornaments.

- Walls covered with blue and white tiles, from the 18th century.

- Circular pulpit from the 16th century, decorated with cherubs.

Artistic Elements

- Central panel under the triumphal arch with the image of Our Lady of the Conception, dated 1714.

- 18th-century apothecary jar tiles (Azulejos de albarradas).

Classification

- Property of Public Interest.