Calvary

Category: Religious Architecture > Place of Worship

District: Guarda > Sabugal > Souto

Location:

The Calvário is located in the village of Souto, part of the municipality of Sabugal. This place is situated in an area that offers a tranquil perspective on the village and the surrounding landscape. Its position, common to many calvários in Portugal, provides a space for a pause and contemplation, at the edge of the urban agglomeration and in transition to the more natural environment.

A Point of Devotion and Reflection:

The Calvário of Souto is a place with a strong symbolic and historical significance for the community. Typical of Portuguese villages, it is a space of religious reference, often marked by the presence of a cross or a small monument. It invites serenity, allowing visitors a moment of introspection away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Cultural Heritage and Local Tradition:

More than just a landmark, the Calvário of Souto is intrinsically linked to the region's most ingrained traditions. It is one of the central points of the Encomendação das Almas (Commendation of Souls), an ancestral ritual of nocturnal chants that took place at midnight in devotion to the souls in purgatory. This custom, with its melody that sometimes echoed like a lament, highlights the cultural and spiritual importance of the place in the life of the village over the centuries.

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