Chapel of Our Lady of the Castle

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Guarda > Sabugal > Bendada

Location

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Castle stands at an altitude of 700 meters, in the heart of the Serra de Nossa Senhora do Castelo, in the parish of Bendada, municipality of Sabugal. It is located in an isolated and forested environment, offering a wide perspective over the surrounding landscape. The flat ground in front of the chapel, formerly a churchyard, provides a serene space, flanked by trees typical of temperate forests.

Its position on the eastern slope of the mountain range, among granite outcrops that punctuate the mountain's summit, gives it a natural setting of beauty and tranquility, ideal for those seeking a moment of peace and nature observation.

Origins and Tradition

This chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of the Castle, likely has its roots in the 16th century. Over the centuries, it has played a significant role in the religious life of the region, being a place of faith and pilgrimage. Already in the mid-18th century, in 1758, it was referred to in parish documents as a destination of devotion, receiving processions, such as those of the Litanies of May, and attracting many pilgrims during Easter.

Its history is marked by this continuous religious use, remaining a spiritual meeting point for local communities and visitors seeking a space for reflection.

Architectural Aspects

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Castle features a rectangular plan, composed of a nave and chancel, with distinct volumes and differentiated roofs. The facades are mostly whitewashed, highlighted by light blue painted bands, which integrate into the mountain landscape. The main portal, facing west, is a prominent element, characterized by a perfect round arch, whose moldings are formed by the stone voussoirs, a remnant feature from the 16th-century period.

Inside, the walls remain white, while the "masseira" ceilings are painted blue, creating a welcoming contrast. The triumphal arch, also a perfect round arch, has chamfered edges and rests on Tuscan-style pilasters, possibly added in the 17th century, over the original imposts. On the back wall of the chancel, there is a niche housing the image of the patron saint.

Landscape and Heritage

The location of the chapel is not only a religious site but also a place of scenic and historical interest. Surrounded by vegetation that integrates the temperate forest, the chapel is set in a natural context marked by the presence of large granite outcrops, which give the mountain a unique identity.

In this same churchyard, visible through a masonry wall that partially delimits the space, there are remains of an ancient fortified settlement, a Castro de Nossa Senhora do Castelo (Our Lady of the Castle Hillfort), which adds a layer of historical depth to the visit, recalling the ancestral occupation of this hill. The ensemble invites a pause to enjoy the serenity and history emanating from this elevated point.

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