Our Lady of the Snows Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Cadaval > Arieiro

Location

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows majestically rises on the summit of the Serra de Montejunto, in the locality of Arieiro, municipality of Cadaval. This elevated position offers a privileged perspective over the vast surrounding landscape, known as the "Balcony of Estremadura", where the eye loses itself on the horizon. The atmosphere, marked by the altitude and the tranquility of the mountain range, invites contemplation.

Memory and Tradition

This place carries a profound history, with its origins dating back to a period prior to the 13th century, preceding the construction of the first Dominican convent in the mountains. Since medieval times, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows has been a point of pilgrimage and devotion. Over the centuries, it underwent renovations and expansions, particularly in the 16th century and later, which attests to its continuous importance. Every year, on August 5th, this site is the center of a pilgrimage that keeps local tradition and faith alive.

Interiors and Details

Inside, the chapel reveals a beauty marked by its simplicity and the presence of significant historical elements. A notable feature is a statue of Our Lady of the Snows, dating from the 16th century. The altars are covered with 17th-century tiles, and the 18th-century altarpiece of the main altar adds an artistic touch. In the side nave, a 17th-century tile panel also narrates aspects of the history of the Dominican Order, which once inhabited these parts. Next to the main altar, there is an old flat tombstone with an inscription, a silent testament to other times.

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