Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Évora > Viana do Alentejo > Alcáçovas > Jardim das Conchas
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, better known as the Chapel of the Shells (Capela das Conchas), is situated in the serene locality of Alcáçovas, an integral part of the municipality of Viana do Alentejo, in the heart of the Évora district. This remarkable religious building is located within the pleasant Garden of the Shells (Jardim das Conchas), a space that invites tranquility and contemplation.
Its position in Alcáçovas, an Alentejo village with a traditional and peaceful atmosphere, offers visitors an immersion into the genuine spirit of the region. The surroundings are marked by the typical calm of the Alentejo, where the simple architecture of the houses and the surrounding rural landscape contribute to a picturesque and authentic setting.
What distinguishes and gives this church its popular name is its stunning interior. The space is unusually and almost entirely covered with thousands of seashells, meticulously arranged in complex artistic patterns. This unique decoration transforms the ambiance, lending it an almost dreamlike atmosphere and unexpected beauty.
Each shell, carefully applied, contributes to a high-impact visual effect, creating textures and reflections that vary with the light. It is a rare and fascinating example of decorative art in Portugal, demonstrating prodigious dedication and creativity in the use of natural elements for spiritual and aesthetic purposes.
Primarily known as the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, its alternative designation as the Chapel of the Shells (Capela das Conchas) highlights the characteristic that made it famous. The application of shells dates back to periods of great artistic expression, probably the 17th or 18th centuries, when this type of ornamentation, sometimes associated with the Rococo style, was employed in religious and palatial spaces.
Although its external architectural form is that of a traditional church, its true singularity lies in the surprise of its interior. This creative approach to ornamentation elevates it to a level of remarkable interest, bearing witness to the ingenuity and profound devotion that shaped many of the sacred buildings in the region. The Chapel of the Shells is, therefore, a notable example of how art and faith can unite to create a truly unforgettable space.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capela_das_Conchas
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.3950591,-8.1545199
Coordinates DMS: 38°23'42.2"N 08°09'16.3"W
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