Chapel of Saint Roch

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Felgueiras > Vila Cova da Lixa > Vila Cova da Lixa e Borba de Godim

Location:

The Chapel of São Roque stands by the road that crosses the Union of Parishes of Vila Cova da Lixa and Borba de Godim, in the municipality of Felgueiras. It is located on a slight rise in the terrain, which gives it some prominence among the neighboring houses.

Surrounding it are predominantly traditional-style houses and small green spaces, in an environment that blends the soft hum of local traffic with the typical silence of a small religious building set within a mostly residential area.

Architecture and environment:

Built of irregular granite stone, the chapel features a simple single-nave body, topped on the gable by a small arched bell-tower, from which a bell hangs and a metal cross protrudes. The ceramic tile roof adds a warm contrast to the gray masonry.

Access is through a slightly arched wooden door, framed by sectioned ashlar blocks. A stone and iron fence delineates the exterior space, offering a discreet setting that invites contemplation.

Historical value:

Dedicated to Saint Roch, patron saint against epidemics, this chapel reflects the tradition of popular devotion that marked several rural communities in Northern Portugal in the 17th and 18th centuries. Although its exact construction date is not documented, its architectural style evokes the spirit of the hermitages of that era.

Over the years, it has remained a gathering point for local religious celebrations, keeping alive the connection between modest architecture and the collective memory of the inhabitants of Lixa.

Photographic point:

On the west-facing facade, the warm hues of late afternoon highlight the granite textures, creating soft shadows that outline each stone block. It is at this time of day that the contrast between the blue of the sky and the granite becomes most striking.

An interesting photographic composition could include the suspended bell, framed by the bell-tower's arch, and the typical houses in the background, offering a view that combines religious elements with the surrounding urban environment.

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