Our Lady of Joy chapel

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Almalaguês

Location

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Alegria is located in the tranquil parish of Almalaguês, within the municipality of Coimbra. It stands prominently atop Castro hill, offering a striking presence in the surrounding rural landscape.

The area surrounding the chapel features a spacious square, inviting visitors to a moment of rest, and includes a picnic park to the east, ideal for enjoying the calm atmosphere and the outdoors.

Historical Background

This temple is part of a series of edifices erected throughout Portuguese territory in the 17th century under the invocation of Nossa Senhora da Alegria. The construction of the chapel in Almalaguês began in 1634, by determination of the parish priest Teodósio de Abreu, as attested by a Latin inscription engraved on the pulpit.

Over the centuries, the chapel underwent several interventions, notably 18th-century reforms that gave it its current appearance. Its historical and architectural relevance was officially recognized with its classification as a Monument of Public Interest in 2011.

Architectural and Artistic Features

The chapel exhibits a simple longitudinal plan, composed of a single nave, a chancel, and a sacristy attached to the left side. Its style reflects the transition between Mannerism and Baroque, highlighting the 18th-century reforms.

Inside, notable features include the gilded carving that adorns the chancel altarpiece, commissioned as an ex-voto in 1875, and the chalice-shaped stone pulpit. The chancel walls are covered with Coimbra-made tiles, dating from the mid-18th century, which illustrate scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, enriching the artistic ambiance of the site.

Devotion and Curiosities

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Alegria is a point of strong religiosity for local devotees. Inside, particularly in the chancel and sacristy, various ex-voto offerings can be observed, such as paintings and wax figures.

Among these offerings, some chains or shackles stand out. These peculiar pieces are linked to a legend that, over time, has contributed to fueling the faith and fascination surrounding this place of worship.

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