Silval Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Leiria > Alcobaça > Turquel > Feitosa

Location

The Chapel of Silval is located in the Feitosa area, an integral part of the town of Turquel, in the municipality of Alcobaça. It is situated in Lugar do Silval, prominent in a central location within the urban area, making it a visible and integral presence in the local environment. Its position in the village allows it to fit naturally into the daily lives of residents and visitors to the region.

Architectural Features

With a longitudinal plan, the chapel consists of a single nave, giving it a welcoming simplicity. It has a double-pitched roof, a traditional feature that contributes to its familiar appearance. The main façade is marked by a triangular gable, topped with a cross, and adjoined by a discreetly rising bell tower on the side. In the center, a wooden door is surmounted by a niche housing a sculptural image, flanked by two windows that illuminate the interior.

Purpose and History

Since its origin, the Chapel of Silval has served as a place of worship and devotion. To this day, it remains a space for religious use, under the ownership of the Catholic Church, specifically the Diocese of Leiria-Fátima. The exact period of its construction, as well as the name of its architect or builder, are details that have been lost to time, lending a certain mystery to its antiquity. The chapel's history continues to be a subject of study, inviting reflection on its endurance throughout the centuries.

Materials and Character

The construction of the Chapel of Silval utilized materials characteristic of the region's traditional architecture, namely stone, wood, and plaster. This choice of elements gives the building an authentic robustness and simplicity, which blend harmoniously with the landscape and the local architectural context. The combination of these materials contributes to the building's genuine essence, highlighting its unique character and its connection to the local heritage.

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