Hermitage of Our Lady of Lapa

Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage

District: Portalegre > Portalegre > Alegrete

Location

The Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Lapa is nestled in a rural and natural setting, in the locality of Alegrete, in the municipality of Portalegre. It is situated right on the border area, integrated into the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede, which gives its surroundings a landscape of singular beauty. The hermitage is uniquely built, adjoining rocky outcrops, highlighting the deep connection of the site with the surrounding terrain. Nearby, there is a natural spring that complements the serene environment and invites contemplation.

A Multifaceted History

Although the hermitage as we know it was built between the 16th and 17th centuries, its history is much older, dating back millennia of human occupation. The site where the chapel stands is a place of long-standing sacredness, making it a testament to different eras and beliefs that have succeeded one another over time. This remote past gives the building a layer of interest that goes beyond its more recent construction, suggesting a deep cultural legacy and spiritual continuity in the space.

Architectural Features

The Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Lapa is a construction of modest dimensions, but with a striking presence in the landscape. It features architecture with simple and unadorned lines, characteristic of the period in which it was erected. Its rectangular plan is divided into a nave and a chancel. The interior is covered by barrel vaults resting on cornices, and the triumphal arch connecting the nave to the chancel is basket-arched, giving it a discreet elegance. On the main facade, a straight-lintel portal stands out, flanked by narrow windows and topped by a oculus, contributing to its sober aesthetic. In the chancel, fragments of wall paintings can still be observed, as well as three niches in the back wall, with the central one standing out and drawing attention to its historical-artistic value.

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