Chapel of Saint Anthony

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Guarda > Pinhel > Azêvo > Gabriel

Location

The Chapel of Santo Antão is located in the Gabriel urbanization, in the picturesque locality of Azêvo, integrated into the municipality of Pinhel. It is situated in a peri-urban environment, slightly isolated, next to a public road paved with granite, which contributes to its unique setting. It is easily noticeable by its characteristic position, inviting a pause to observe its form and the surrounding area.

The building is surrounded by a walled churchyard, constructed with granite masonry, which gives it a clear and traditional demarcation. The main access to this space is via two steps, culminating in an iron gate bearing a cross, harmonizing with the serene and ancient atmosphere of the chapel.

Traces of a Rural History

The history of the Chapel of Santo Antão dates back to the 17th or 18th centuries, the probable periods of its initial construction. This small temple of religious architecture, of vernacular character, is a testament to the faith and community life of Azêvo over the centuries. As early as 1758, it was mentioned in the Parochial Memoirs, a document that identified it as an integral part of the local population's heritage, emphasizing its relevance to the inhabitants of the region.

Over time, the building has undergone conservation interventions. The date "1984" inscribed on its main portal is an indication of a significant renovation, which would have modernized and stabilized the structure, including the creation or remodeling of the churchyard that surrounds it.

Architecture and Materials

The Chapel of Santo Antão features a simple longitudinal plan, a single space, with a compact mass and a gabled roof. Its facades, plastered and painted white, are enhanced by projecting granite ashlar quoins, finished with a frieze and cornice, giving it a traditional and robust aesthetic. The main facade, oriented west, stands out for its gable higher than the cornice, adorned with a Latin cross with flowered arms at the apex and pyramidal pinnacles above the quoins.

The entrance portal, with a perfect round arch, is framed by granite stonework and protected by a wooden door with panelled leaves. Above this portal, there is a niche with the same arch profile, highlighted by a projecting red-painted molding. Natural light only enters through a rectilinear window on the right side facade, which illuminates the altar area, while the opposite facade remains blind.

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