Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Leiria > Alcobaça > Cela Velha > Quinta da Cela Velha
The Chapel of Saint Benedict is serenely set in the rural landscape of Quinta da Cela Velha, a place that gives the monument a remarkably tranquil atmosphere. Located in the village of Cela Velha, in the municipality of Alcobaça and the district of Leiria, this chapel benefits from a calm setting, characteristic of the Portuguese countryside.
Its location within the estate invites contemplation and observation of the natural and agricultural surroundings, offering a bucolic atmosphere far from the bustle of the city. It is a place of quietude that allows visitors to connect with the built heritage and the landscape that embraces it.
The Chapel of Saint Benedict stands out for its simple design, an example of Portuguese rural religious architecture. Dating back to the 17th century, this chapel reflects the functionality and aesthetics typical of the constructions of that era, devoid of grand ornamentation but rich in local symbolism. Its modest design, usually consisting of a single nave and a main altar, suggests an intimate space dedicated to devotion.
The use of materials such as local stone and whitewashed plaster contributes to its harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape. Although small in size, its presence marks the historical and spiritual importance that the chapel held within the context of the estate and the community it served, serving as a testament to faith and life in the countryside throughout the centuries.
Dedicated to Saint Benedict, one of the most venerated saints in the Christian tradition, this chapel invokes the heritage of faith and work associated with his figure. Saint Benedict is often recognized as a patron of order and discipline, and is also invoked for the protection of communities and agriculture, something particularly relevant for a chapel set within the context of an estate.
The site serves as a point of reference for local spirituality, witnessing the depth of popular piety and the way faith was intertwined with daily life and rural activities. The chapel symbolizes divine protection over the property and the permanence of the region's traditions and beliefs.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.55394912939974,-9.048942225603733
Coordinates DMS: 39°33'14.2"N 09°02'56.2"W
Weather Cela Velha
On-duty Pharmacy Cela Velha
