Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Guarda > Vila Nova de Foz Côa > Castelo Melhor > Quinta das Tulhas
The Chapels of Archangel Saint Gabriel are located at Quinta das Tulhas, in the locality of Castelo Melhor, municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa. This architectural complex is situated at the top of Saint Gabriel Hill, at an approximate altitude of 550 meters. Its elevated position offers a unique panoramic view, allowing one to see extensive horizons that encompass not only Portuguese lands from various districts but also landscapes of Spanish territory.
The presence of a chapel dedicated to Archangel Saint Gabriel at this location has been referenced since 1758, known as a highly sought-after pilgrimage site. The current chapel, with 20th-century architecture, was erected in the 1940s, replacing a previous structure. Over the centuries, Archangel Saint Gabriel has been a figure of great importance to the community of Castelo Melhor, assuming the role of patron saint and divine messenger. Devotion is manifested, for example, in the annual procession that departs from the local Parish Church and, after symbolic stops, culminates at this sacred site.
The architectural complex of the Chapels of Archangel Saint Gabriel stands out for its simplicity and vernacular lines. The chapel has a longitudinal plan, composed of a nave and chancel, with a gabled roof. The facades are plastered and painted white, adorned by a dark gray painted strip. The main facade, facing west, features a perfect arched portal and is flanked by two rectangular slits. At its upper end, a perforated arch bell tower culminates the structure. Inside, the walls remain white and the ceiling is flat, made of wood, with an industrial tile floor. The chancel is elevated by steps and houses a simple granite altar table. One of the most notable elements inside is the tile panel on the end wall, dated 1951, which depicts the Annunciation in a harmonious blue monochrome on a white background.
Surrounding the chapel, there is an artificial rectangular platform, built of shale and delimited by railings, inviting visitors to stay and contemplate. The paving of this area is made of pebbles, with a granite walkway that surrounds the building. In the vicinity, a granite niche resting on a rock displays a polychrome tile panel with the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and a Latin granite cross rises above another rock outcrop. This isolated environment, set within a natural landscape of great beauty, offers an ideal space for serenity to enjoy the vastness of the horizon and the tranquility of the place.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.0323928,-7.0761984
Coordinates DMS: 41°01'56.6"N 07°04'34.3"W
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