Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Leiria > Óbidos > A dos Negros > Sancheira Pequena
The Chapel of Santo Amaro is located in Sancheira Pequena, an area within the locality of A dos Negros, in the municipality of Óbidos. Situated at the end of Beco da Igreja, the chapel is set in an urban environment, but with a particularity: it is slightly set back from neighboring buildings by a small corridor, giving it an atmosphere of isolation. Its simple churchyard, defined by a low wall, offers a tranquil space in front of the main façade, marking the arrival point for visitors.
The Chapel of Santo Amaro da Sancheira Pequena is a 19th-century construction, built at the initiative of a family connected to the historic Quinta do Rolim, in the vicinity of the place. This origin reflects a period of strong connection between the local community and their faith and devotion. Oral tradition, a vital element in the memory of these small communities, suggests that the three oldest images found inside were precisely donated by this same family that commissioned its construction.
With religious architecture dating back to the 19th century, the chapel features a simple longitudinal plan, composed of a single nave and a chancel. Its captivatingly simple façade is dominated by whitewashed plaster, highlighted by blue bands that outline openings and elements. The entrance portico, with straight lines, is surmounted by an oval oculus that allows light to enter. At the apex of the gable, a stone or concrete cross crowns the ensemble. A small bell, suspended in a simple masonry bell-gable on the right side of the façade, underlines the modest and functional character of the building. The base of the north side façade and the sacristy includes a continuous bench, inviting rest and contemplation of the surroundings.
Upon entering the Chapel of Santo Amaro, one discovers a space of contemplation. The nave and the chancel are covered by brick slab and concrete ceilings, divided into three panels, which give a visual rhythm to the environment. The transition between the nave and the chancel is made through a perfect arch, an architectural solution that invites the eye to progress towards the main altar. The nave's floor, made of hydraulic tiles, stands out for its two distinct patterns: one that guides the path along the central aisle and another that fills the seating areas. In the presbytery, the main altar, with its two stone pillars, serves as a base for the cult images, including those of the Virgin and Child and the central figure of Santo Amaro, patron of the chapel.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.3461325,-9.0764315
Coordinates DMS: 39°20'46.1"N 09°04'35.2"W
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