Chapel of Our Lady of Light

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Portalegre > Elvas > Barbacena > Praça do Pelourinho

Location:

The Chapel of Our Lady of Light is located in the heart of the village of Barbacena, in the municipality of Elvas, right in Pelourinho Square. This central, paved square, surrounded by traditional-style buildings, hosts the chapel next to the old Manueline pillory and a small leisure area shaded by orange trees.

The chapel's presence at this focal point of the locality reinforces its role over the centuries as a community landmark and a meeting place for the parish inhabitants.

History and uses over time

Originally built as a parish church, the Chapel of Our Lady of Light housed the headquarters of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Holy House of Mercy) of Barbacena between the 17th and 19th centuries. At that time, the interior was enriched by altarpieces with mural paintings dedicated to Saint Lawrence, Saint Francis, and Saint Anthony.

Later, the building had other uses linked to the life of the local community, serving as a 'Casa do Povo' (People's House) and subsequently as a Parish Home, a function it still maintains today. Interestingly, this space is also known for keeping alive the local tradition of 'Bolinhos de São Sebastião' (Saint Sebastian's Cakes).

Architectural elements

On the façade, the inscription "Lar Paroquial de Barbacena" (Barbacena Parish Home) stands out, flanked by an ornate frame, revealing the space's reuse in a social and community context. Above the granite portal (with a straight lintel, simple jambs and capitals) one observes the trapezoidal gable end, characteristic of modest religious constructions in Alentejo.

The solid wooden door, austere but imposing, shows signs of antiquity and resilience. The robustness of the materials and the simplicity of the ensemble reveal a rural, functional aesthetic deeply connected to local history.

Atmosphere and setting

The surrounding environment is marked by a certain rural tranquility. The orange trees in front of the chapel, the whitewashed façades, and the small stone bench reinforce a sense of suspended time. Despite its simplicity, the ensemble conveys authenticity and a connection to the memory of the Barbacena community.

It is a place that invites unhurried observation, contemplation of architectural details, and a symbolic reading of the space as a testament to the collective experience of several generations.

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