Royal Palace of Passages Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Évora > Vendas Novas > Vendas Novas > Zona da Escola Prática de Artilharia

Location

The Chapel of the Royal Palace of Passagens is located in Vendas Novas, in an area that is now part of the Practical School of Artillery. This location provides it with a serene and discreet environment, evoking its historical connection to the former palace complex where it was originally situated. Its presence in the municipality of Vendas Novas marks a point of interest that combines the history of royalty with Portuguese military heritage.

Royal Origins and Distinguished Past

Commissioned by D. João V, probably in 1728, this chapel was designed to offer spiritual comfort to the royal family and their guests during their stays at the Palace of Passagens. Throughout its history, it played a central role for the local community, serving as the main church of Vendas Novas between 1843 and 1969, a testament to its lasting relevance in the life of the town.

Architectural Design

The chapel's design is characterized by its simplicity and harmony, elements that many attribute to the architect Custódio Vieira. Located at the eastern end of what was the Palace of Passagens, its main facade features a discreet niche housing an image of Saint Anthony, believed to have been brought from an older chapel. This architecture reflects the palatial style of the era, where functionality was combined with elegance of form.

Artistic and Decorative Details

Inside, the chapel reveals a single nave leading to the main altar. The space also houses a baptistery and the Royal Oratory, a prominent place where royalty attended religious ceremonies. One of the highlights is the back of the main altar, covered by a barrel vault adorned with paintings reflecting the style of D. João V, possibly representing the four evangelists, surrounded by garlands and medallions with Latin inscriptions. The chapel walls are enriched by a continuous wainscot of blue and white tiles, approximately 1.80 meters high, which comprise several figurative panels predominantly dated from 1750. A notable exception is the panel of Saint Barbara, patron saint of artillery, which was added later, in 1972. On the altar, there are two images of particular interest: one of Our Lady of the Conception, from the late 17th century, and that of Saint Barbara, integrated when the chapel passed into the domain of the army.

Legacy and Present

Although currently belonging to the Practical School of Artillery, the Chapel of the Royal Palace of Passagens maintains its active religious function. It continues to be a space where weddings and masses are occasionally held, preserving its atmosphere of faith and its historical heritage, and allowing visitors and locals to continue experiencing its cultural and spiritual relevance.

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