Mercy Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Guarda > Vila Nova de Foz Côa > Almendra > Centro

Location

The Chapel of Mercy (Capela da Misericórdia) is located in the village of Almendra, within the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa. It is situated in the heart of the locality, more precisely in Largo da Amoreira. This rectangular square, paved with granite, forms a tranquil urban space, marked by the presence of trees and benches, inviting a serene pause. The chapel stands near one of the bends of national road EN 332, giving it visibility and a central position in the village's life.

Origin and Historical Function

This chapel, also known as the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy (Capela de Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia) or of Our Lord of the Steps (Nosso Senhor dos Passos), dates back to the second half of the 16th century, with the date 1571 inscribed on its main facade testifying to the completion of its construction. It was originally built to serve the now-extinct Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Almendra, a charitable institution that marked the social and religious life of the community. Later, the chapel became associated with the Brotherhood of Our Lord of the Steps (Irmandade do Senhor dos Passos), playing a central role in its activities.

Architecture and Notable Elements

The Chapel of Mercy features religious architecture that combines Mannerist influences and Neo-Gothic revivalist elements. Its main facade, facing west, stands out with its perfect arch portal, whose voussoirs form the frame of the arch, surmounted by a cartouche with the date 1571 and a 19th-century shield. A particularly unique detail is the “Pilate’s Window” (Janela de Pilatos), an angled window above a balcony, supported by a Tuscan colonette, a characteristic found in other Misericórdia churches in the region. The interior of the chapel, plastered and painted white, houses a wooden choir loft and a 16th-century cylindrical pulpit. The chancel has a false barrel vault ceiling, enriched with stucco elements such as a central rosette and small angels, and shelters a white carved Neo-Gothic altarpiece, a 19th-century donation.

Transformations Over Time

Over the centuries, the Chapel of Mercy has undergone several interventions that have shaped its current appearance. Attached to the main body of the chapel is the old Casa do Despacho (House of Dispatch), which, although simpler in its volume, harmonizes with the church, creating a continuous facade. This annex house, whose most significant construction dates back to 1878, utilized pre-existing structures, particularly from the sacristy. In the 20th century, the nave's interior received contemporary tiles, and the chancel's stuccos were restored. Currently, the chapel serves as a mortuary chapel, continuing to serve the local community.

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