Chapel of the Holy Spirit

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Lisboa > Mafra > Murtal

Location

Situated in the lowest part of the locality of Murtal, in the municipality of Mafra, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit is found in a tranquil and isolated environment. The building stands next to the road, with a small walled atrium in front that invites observation of its discreet architecture. Its position at the bottom of the valley, close to the Cheleiros stream, contributes to a serene and bucolic atmosphere, characteristic of the Saloia region.

Rural Architecture and Simplicity

The Chapel of the Holy Spirit is a modest and rustic example of a rural hermitage, typically built with plastered and whitewashed facades, punctuated by stonework at the quoins and around the door and window frames. Its structure is relatively simple, composed of a single nave and a narrower chancel, to which small annexes are attached laterally. Both the main and rear facades culminate in triangular gables, topped by a stone cross. A small bell tower on the south side of the nave completes its simple exterior.

The Manueline Legacy

Inside the chapel, attention is drawn to the triumphal arch that connects the nave to the chancel. This element, of Manueline design, stands out for its elaborate decoration. The perfect round arch, with its external molding, integrates delicate flamboyant arches and stylized floral adornments, such as rosettes, which refer to the aesthetic of the early 16th century. Curiously, the keystone of the arch features a crowned male head, whose identity remains a historical mystery.

Testimony of Past Times

The history of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit probably dates back to the 16th century, although its current appearance is largely the result of reconstruction after the devastating earthquake of 1755. In the 18th century, this hermitage was a pilgrimage site and even had an attached hospice, serving pilgrims and travelers. Over time, the temple was adapted for different uses, even serving as a mortuary chapel. Classified as a Building of Municipal Interest, the chapel represents a piece of the history and popular devotion of the Mafra region, despite having undergone periods of abandonment and interventions that altered its original appearance.

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