Chapel of Our Lady of Good Death

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Coimbra > Miranda do Corvo > Miranda do Corvo > Urbanização da Quinta do VIso

Location

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Good Death is located in Miranda do Corvo, within the Quinta do Viso Urbanization area. It stands in an isolated position on a slightly elevated platform, at the intersection of Rua do Cruzeiro and Ladeira do Carvalhal.

Access to the main facade is via a granite staircase. The irregularly shaped churchyard features several trees that offer shade, creating a tranquil environment. The walls delimiting the property are traditionally painted blue and white, which stands out in the urban surroundings.

A History and Evolution

The history of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Good Death dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, with records of a primitive temple on the site as early as the 17th century. However, its present form is the result of a significant reconstruction that took place in the second half of the 18th century. It is believed that the original building may have suffered damage, possibly during the French invasions.

The current name of the chapel, "Our Lady of the Good Death", was adopted in 1732. This change in designation was due to the establishment of a brotherhood dedicated to this invocation on the site. At one time, the chapel played a prominent role in the community's life, even serving as the local parish church for a period.

Architectural Details

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Good Death is an interesting example of 17th and 18th-century religious architecture, combining Baroque and Rococo features. Its main facade, notable for its reverse-curved cornice, is a typically Baroque element.

At the center of the facade, an arched portal is framed by a molding that connects to a quadrilobed oculus (with four lobes) directly above, forming a visually integrated and distinctive composition. Flanking this central ensemble are two windows that illuminate the choir, decorated with cut-out moldings and, at the bottom, with two shell-shaped cartouches. The construction is of plastered and painted masonry, with various decorative elements such as steps, moldings, and pinnacles, executed in granite stonework. Inside, the gilded carved altarpieces contribute to the artistic richness of the space.

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