Chapel of the Wayside Cross or Hermitage of the Lord Jesus of the Wayside Cross

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Évora > Viana do Alentejo > Viana do Alentejo > Horta das Caixinhas

Chapel of the Crucifix or Hermitage of the Lord Jesus of the Crucifix

Location

, Situated about 200 meters southeast of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora de Aires, in Viana do Alentejo.

, It is located north of the town, being part of an important pilgrimage point in the Alentejo region.

History and Construction

, The devotion to Christ and the increase in the construction of chapels in the 17th and 18th centuries influenced the construction of this hermitage.

, Built in 1742, on the site where a pre-existing crucifix stood, also known as the "Cross of the Lord Jesus of the Stone".

, Geraldo da Silva Rocha, a resident of Ferreira, was the owner of the land where the hermitage was built.

Architecture

Plan

In the shape of a Greek cross, with slightly protruding arms, giving it an almost square appearance.

Roof

Domed vault, inspired by the Alentejo "cubas", which reflect Arab influences.

Main Facade

, Baroque style, with two registers separated by pairs of pilasters.

, Main portal with a straight lintel, flanked by two large windows.

, Quadrilobed lunette with volutes and scrolls, typical of the Johannine style.

, Small pediment decorated with a scallop and topped by a trilobate cross.

Interior

, Unified and bare space, without the original elements, including the main altarpiece.

, Traces of mural paintings are still visible.

, Vault resting on squinches, with an octagonal lantern for lighting.

Current Condition

, The chapel is in a state of degradation, with the entrance blocked and surrounded by ruins of attached buildings.

Sources: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ermida_do_Senhor_Jesus_do_Cruzeiro_-_Viana_do_Alentejo_-_Portugal_(7003991197).jpg

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