Our Lady of Fatima Chapel

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Amarante > Mancelos

Location:

The Chapel of Our Lady of Fátima stands in the village of Mancelos, in the municipality of Amarante, nestled within a rural landscape of gentle hills and green slopes. The building is situated near agricultural paths and close to small clusters of terraced fields, offering a discreet yet visible stopping point for those traversing the region.

The surroundings are dominated by vineyards and traditional cultivated fields, where the pattern of granite stones blends with the green of the valleys. Its slightly elevated position allows for contemplation of the Olo River valley in the distance, lending the chapel a tranquil and silent setting.

Historical and Architectural Value

Dating back to 1949, the chapel features a façade of worked granite, with a triangular gable reinforced by small lateral pinnacles and topped with a bell tower, where the bell stands out. Above the dark wooden main door, the inscription of the construction year is still preserved, highlighted by the robust texture of the stone.

Inside, the simple space stands out, with whitewashed walls and wooden details that have recently undergone restoration. The contained ceiling height and balanced proportions create an atmosphere of introspection that invites silent contemplation.

Surroundings and Atmosphere

The base of the chapel opens onto a paved churchyard, providing a space for pause and reflection. Light entering through the circular oculus on the main gable projects onto the floor, changing in hue according to the time of day.

Around it, olive trees and oaks dot the landscape, providing shade and autumnal hues to the ensemble. This rural setting reinforces the serene character of the place, making it a refuge of quietude for those who appreciate the simplicity of rural devotion.

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