Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Lisboa > Mafra > Igreja Nova
Situated in the tranquil locality of Igreja Nova, in the municipality of Mafra, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit stands in a lower area of the village, bordered by a small walled courtyard that offers an atmosphere of recollection. It is located at the bottom of a valley, close to the Cheleiros stream, lending it a peaceful and traditional atmosphere, typical of the Saloia region.
The Chapel of the Holy Spirit, also known as the Hermitage, likely has its roots in the 16th century. Throughout the centuries, its journey has been marked by various transformations. After the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, which left it in ruins, the chapel was rebuilt, acquiring its current appearance. Later, at the end of the 20th century, it underwent a restoration intervention which, although necessary, slightly altered its internal character. Classified as a Building of Municipal Interest, this chapel is a testament to the resilience of local heritage in the face of the challenges of time and history.
With a sober exterior appearance, featuring white-washed facades bordered by ashlar stonework, the chapel reveals a rustic beauty. Inside, with a single nave, the most striking element is its impressive Manueline triumphal arch. This arch, which connects the nave to the chancel, is a remarkable piece of art, displaying a combination of a full arch with a multi-lobed profile, richly decorated with stylized floral rosettes. On its keystonem hewn stone of closing, there is a sculpted crowned male head, an intriguing detail that invites close observation. The embedded pulpit, with its stone corbel and wrought-iron guard, and the holy water font complement the interior setting.
Beyond its original function as a place of worship, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit played important roles in the community in the past, even being the site of pilgrimages and serving as a mortuary chapel, a use it still maintains. Inside, there is a 16th-century panel painting, depicting Pentecost, a work of art that, after recent restoration, contributes to the cultural and artistic value of this discreet yet history-rich place.
Sources: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Capela_do_Espírito_Santo_(Cheleiros)_08.jpg?uselang=pt
Coordinates DD: 38.888800849356805,-9.330412614319169
Coordinates DMS: 38°53'19.7"N 09°19'49.5"W
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