Chapel of Our Lord of the Steps

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Guarda > Vila Nova de Foz Côa > Almendra > Largo da Amoreira

Location

The Chapel of Our Lord of the Steps is located in the heart of the village of Almendra, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa. It is situated in Largo da Amoreira, a flat, rectangular space, paved with granite cobblestones. This square offers a calm environment and is marked by the presence of leafy trees, including the mulberry tree that gives it its name, creating a meeting place for the community.

A History of Faith and Community

Built in the second half of the 16th century, this chapel has a rich and multifaceted history. Its origin dates back to the local Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Holy House of Mercy), an institution of great social and religious importance at the time. Later, it was associated with the Brotherhood of Senhor dos Passos (Lord of the Steps), a confraternity dedicated to the representation of the Way of the Cross. This dual denomination and its successive uses attest to the central role the building played in the religious and communal life of Almendra throughout the centuries, serving as a stage for moments of devotion and tradition.

Architectural and Artistic Features

The chapel features architecture that reflects its long history and different periods of intervention. The main facade, built in granite ashlar, is adorned by a perfect arch portal and topped by a bell tower. A notable inscription indicates the year of 1571, as well as the curious Pilate's Window, an angle window with a Tuscan column, a characteristic element of old Misericórdia churches. Attached to the chapel is the old Casa do Despacho (House of Dispatch), an annex building that harmonizes with the whole.

Inside, the space is simple and welcoming, with plastered walls painted white and a wainscot of colourful tiles. The nave has a wooden ceiling, while the chancel is topped by a false barrel vault, adorned with stuccoes depicting phytomorphic motifs, angels, and a central boss. You can also observe a wooden choir loft and a cylindrical pulpit, which retains its 16th-century structure. The main altar, in white carving, is a later addition, dating from the 19th century.

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