Hermitage of Saint Peter

Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage

District: Portalegre > Ponte de Sor > Galveias > Outeiro

Location

Located in Galveias, in the municipality of Ponte de Sor, the Chapel of São Pedro is found in the area known as Outeiro.

Its positioning in the southern part of the locality, in a small square adjacent to Rossio, is significant. This space was, in the past, designated as Largo de São Pedro (São Pedro Square).

History and Antiquity

Its origin possibly dates back to the 17th century. There are documentary references from the early 18th century that attest to its existence at that time.

Later documents, from 1758, mention that its construction was funded by the inhabitants of the town and parish themselves. It played an important role in local history, serving as the town's mother church for a period, before the construction of the current church.

Architecture and Exterior

This small religious building features a simple rectangular plan, composed of a single nave and the chancel area.

On the exterior, prominent features include the triangular pediment and the generously sized main door, framed by granite stone doorposts. The corners of the main facade, the quoins, are also clad in granite. Above the frontispiece, a small bell tower is observed.

Interior and Artistic Aspects

The interior, with a single nave, is divided into two sections, suggesting that the first could have originally been a porch.

The central element is the high altar. Built in masonry, this altar features painted decoration with floral motifs and is dedicated to Saint Peter, its patron saint. In its center, there is a small niche housing the image of the saint. The altar ensemble is framed by two masonry columns, with a twisted design, which support an arch. At the top, in a stucco relief, the keys to heaven and the papal tiara are depicted, distinctive symbols of Saint Peter. The side walls and the ceiling are decorated with popular-style paintings.

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