Chapel of the Lord of Calvary

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Santo Tirso > Agrela > Peso

Location

Nestled in the Peso area, in the tranquil village of Agrela, the Chapel of Senhor do Calvário is located in the municipality of Santo Tirso. This place of devotion emerges in a serene and predominantly forested setting, surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Access is via dirt tracks, inviting a peaceful journey and contact with nature. In front of the chapel, an imposing Granite Stone Cross, with its steps and faceted column, marks the entrance and invites contemplation even before reaching the building.

Origin and Architectural Features

The Chapel of Senhor do Calvário is a remarkable example of 18th and 19th-century religious architecture. Its most probable construction dates back to 1738, as per the date engraved on the main portal. It features a simple rectangular plan with a single nave, distinguished by its whitewashed facade, adorned with grey bands and stone finishes. A striking feature is the front porch, with its three perfect archways, offering a welcoming shelter. On the right side, an attached sacristy complements the structure, while on the left side, a simple belfry rises, inviting meditation.

The Interior and Artistic Richness

Inside the chapel, plastered and painted walls give way to an environment of great artistic richness. The wooden ceiling, with its coffers, reveals a cycle of popular paintings meticulously depicting the Scenes of the Passion of Christ. These detailed paintings guide the eye and mind through episodes such as the Arrest of Christ, the Way of the Cross, or the Crucifixion. The main altarpiece, attributed to the 18th-century carver Pedro Salgado, is a focal point of great beauty, displaying painted and gilded carving, with twisted columns and Atlantid angels supporting a tribune. At the center of the altarpiece, a painted scene of Calvary completes the ensemble, imparting a profound symbolic meaning to the space.

An Environment of Devotion and Tranquility

The Chapel of Senhor do Calvário, with its isolated location in Peso, Agrela, offers a refuge of peace. The serenity of the surrounding landscape, marked by the presence of trees and trails, invites moments of reflection and contemplation. It is a place that provides an experience of quietude, where art and history combine with the calmness of nature, ideal for those seeking a space to contemplate and appreciate religious architecture in communion with the natural environment.

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