Chapel of Saint Gabriel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Guarda > Manteigas > Manteigas > São Gabriel

Location

The Chapel of São Gabriel is located in the area of the same name, in São Gabriel, an area of particular historical interest in the town of Manteigas. Integrated into the landscape of this part of the municipality, the chapel is a point of reference for those exploring the region. Its position allows for observation of the surrounding environment, characteristic of this area of Manteigas.

A Journey Through Time

The history of the Chapel of São Gabriel dates back to the 16th century. Its original construction dates from 1560, although it is known to have been erected in a different location from the current one. Speculation suggests that its first site was near the border between the parish of Sameiro and the town of Manteigas, in an area where waters flowed towards Leandres. However, today there are no traces of that primitive edifice.

The chapel observed today is the result of a reconstruction and relocation, dated 1871. This new structure was erected a few meters from where the first is supposed to have existed, thus marking a continuity of the religious and community presence in the São Gabriel area.

Architectural Features

The facade of the Chapel of São Gabriel presents a simple and harmonious design, with its gable roof forming a triangular pediment. Elements in granite stand out, shaping the pilasters at the corners and the contours of the main door, flanked by two small windows. At the top of the ensemble, a central cross and two urn-shaped ornaments complement its exterior aesthetics.

Inside, the eye is drawn to the wooden ceiling, notably painted in polychrome tones, with a predominantly blue background. This detail offers a gentle contrast to the sobriety of the exterior and invites a moment of contemplation.

A Symbol of the Community

Located in the São Gabriel area, the chapel is a testament to the life that once existed there. This area of Manteigas was, in times past, a place of significant activity, housing a vibrant community. The presence of the Chapel of São Gabriel reflects the importance of faith and social interaction for the inhabitants who once lived and worked in this part of the town. It is a landmark that evokes memories of a past where daily life was also shaped around spaces like this.

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