Chapel of Our Lady of Grace

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Baião > Gestaçô > Candeiro

Location

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Graça is located in the Candeiro area, in the welcoming locality of Gestaçô, belonging to the municipality of Baião. Its slightly sloping implantation gives it a visible presence in the landscape. Surrounded by spaces that evoke the region's rurality, the chapel stands on an artificial platform, accessible by stone steps, providing a peaceful and harmonious setting.

Origins in the 18th Century

Built in the 18th century, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Graça is a testament to the religious architecture of that period. Its construction took place during a time of great fervor and artistic development in Portugal, reflecting the importance of faith and artistic expression in the local communities of that era. This chapel maintains its original purpose of worship and devotion, serving the community of Gestaçô throughout the centuries.

Architectural Elements

Externally, the chapel features white plastered and painted facades, highlighted by granite stonework elements such as the plinths and pilastered quoins that give it robustness. The rectilinear openings are framed in granite, and the main facade is topped by a straight gable, surmounted by a Latin cross. A small wooden lantern, painted in a distinct shade, distinguishes the roof and adds a unique touch to the architectural ensemble.

The Richness of the Interior

Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by an interior with white walls, where carved wood takes center stage. The ornamentation of the side altarpieces and the chancel, with their intricate carvings, is an example of Joanine giltwood work, characteristic of the period. The wooden ceilings, crafted with panels in the nave and coffers in the chancel, reveal late-Baroque paintings, featuring asymmetrical cartouches and floral garlands, which visually enrich the space. The granite stone floor, with flagstones arranged concentrically, incorporates some inscribed gravestones, inviting a moment of observation and reflection on the history of the site.

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