Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Torres Vedras > Casal dos Cochos
The Chapel of Our Lady of Cátela is located in the peaceful village of Casal dos Cochos, within the municipality of Torres Vedras, in the district of Lisbon. This place of worship is immersed in a typically rural environment, characterized by a serene landscape of fields and small residential clusters that dot the region. Its position provides a haven of tranquility, inviting contemplation and rest, far from the hustle and bustle of large urban centers.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Cátela showcases the simplicity that defines popular Portuguese architecture applied to religious contexts. It is a building of modest dimensions, which integrates harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Its walls are commonly whitewashed, a distinctive feature of many traditional buildings in the rural Lisbon region, offering a soft contrast with the green of the surrounding fields. The simplicity of its lines and the sobriety of its architectural elements reflect the devotion and faith of the communities that, over the centuries, have maintained this site as a point of congregation and prayer.
The structure, though modest, reveals care in its construction, based on the robustness of local materials, such as stone and lime, which give it durability and a genuine connection to the land. Every detail, even the most discreet, contributes to the authentic and timeless character of this space.
More than just a simple building, the Chapel of Our Lady of Cátela is a landmark in the life and history of the community of Casal dos Cochos. It is a symbol of popular religiosity and a reference point for its inhabitants, echoing ancestral traditions and the strong connection of the people to their built heritage and spiritual values.
The serene environment that surrounds it, marked by the tranquility of the countryside, complements the visitor's experience, inviting introspection and appreciation of the rural calm. The chapel is a place that evokes a sense of peace and history, allowing a connection with the roots and values of a Portuguese rural community, and offering an authentic glimpse into the heritage and life of the people of the Torres Vedras region.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.0721107,-9.3719854
Coordinates DMS: 39°04'19.6"N 09°22'19.1"W