Morábito do Cercal

Category: Religious Architecture > Place of Worship

District: Lisboa > Cadaval > Lamas e Cercal > Cercal

Location

The Cercal Marabout is located in an isolated and predominantly rural area, within the urbanization of Cercal, which is part of the union of parishes of Lamas and Cercal, in the municipality of Cadaval. Situated atop Alto da Ajuda, this site benefits from an altimetrically dominant position, offering extensive views over the surrounding landscape, characteristic of buildings constructed to stand out in the terrain.

A Legacy of Two Cultures

This unique building, known both as the Cercal Marabout and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, represents one of the rare examples in Portugal of an Islamic marabout that was later transformed into a Christian temple. Its origin dates back to the 12th century, a period when the Iberian Peninsula was deeply marked by Muslim presence. Around 1602, the structure was adapted for Catholic worship, thus assuming the role of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda.

Architectural Features and Revelations

The essence of the original marabout is visible in the central body of the chapel, characterized by a square plan and a vaulted ceiling. This primitive construction was cleverly repurposed to form the main chapel of the Christian temple. Although the chapel today features an "L" shaped plan, a result of later additions including a rectangular nave, its walls still hold secrets from the past. Particularly notable is the presence of a horseshoe arch, a distinctive element of Islamic architecture, which remains, though currently filled, as a silent testament to its foundation.

A Singular Destiny

Classified as a Property of Public Interest, the Cercal Marabout has its historical and architectural importance officially recognized. However, what may surprise visitors is its current use, which starkly contrasts with its past as a place of worship. Far from its original religious functions, this centuries-old building now serves as a pen for goat farming, a practical reality that adds an extra layer of uniqueness and an unusual perspective on how heritage can evolve and be adapted over the centuries.

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