Baraçais Chapel / Chapel of the Archangel Saint Michael

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Leiria > Bombarral > Roliça > Casais da Merca

Location

Situated in the area of Casais da Merca, which belongs to the serene locality of Roliça, in the municipality of Bombarral, the Chapel of Baraçais rises harmoniously. It stands out at the top of a traditional cobblestone path, surrounded by a small paved and walled churchyard. This setting provides a quiet and secluded environment, conducive to a moment of contemplation.

Historical Background

The Chapel of Baraçais, also known as the Chapel of Archangel Saint Michael, has a history dating back to the 18th century, the period in which it was built. However, human presence in the Baraçais area is much older, with records indicating that, as early as the 16th century, this was a farm whose owners sold to Queen D. Leonor. The chapel is mentioned in historical documents from the early 18th century and, in 1755, suffered damage due to the great earthquake, being subsequently restored. It remains to this day a religious landmark in the locality.

Architectural and Artistic Features

The chapel exhibits religious architecture characteristic of the 18th century, with a simple and elongated composition that integrates a single nave, the chancel, and a sacristy. The main facade, facing west, is topped by a triangular gable that rises, decorated with volutes and a Latin cross. A small bell tower with a depressed arch, on the right side, and a pinnacle, on the opposite side, give it a distinctive silhouette.

Inside, the space invites observation of its details. The nave's pavement is mosaic, and the wooden ceiling features three planes. The walls are covered halfway up with patterned tiles, which add color and texture to the environment. A square-based pulpit, with a polychrome wooden railing in shades of red, brown, and black, rests on a sculpted stone corbel, standing out as an artistic element of the space. Natural light is soft, coming from windows on the main facade and in the chancel.

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