Chapel of Our Lady of Relief

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Lousada > Figueiras > Alívio

Location

Situated in the quiet area of Alívio, in the locality of Figueiras, which is part of the municipality of Lousada, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Alívio is located in a predominantly rural environment. Positioned halfway up a hillside, this small religious building benefits from a serene setting, flanked by a public road paved with cobblestones.

Its isolated placement in the landscape contributes to an atmosphere of tranquility, inviting a moment of contemplation or appreciation of the surrounding space.

A 20th Century Legacy

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Alívio is an example of religious architecture built throughout the 20th century. Although its specific authorship remains unknown, the chapel was erected with the purpose of serving as a place of worship and devotion, a function it maintains unchanged to this day.

Its presence in this location attests to the continuity of faith and community traditions, representing a landmark of local identity built in a more recent period of Portuguese religious history.

Architectural Features

The chapel features a design with a rectangular plan, a single volume, and a gable roof. The facades are constructed from granite masonry, rendered and painted white, with a prominent plinth and concrete friezes defining its lines.

The main facade, facing southeast, is topped by a gable and displays a Latin cross at its highest point. Entry is through a perfect arch portal, accessible via three marble steps, and protected by a door composed of metal panels and colored hammered glass, surmounted by a fanlight that allows natural light to enter. The side facades are identical, pierced by perfect arch narrow openings that illuminate the interior, while the rear facade is blind.

Interior and Atmosphere

Upon entering the chapel, visitors are greeted by a simple interior space, rendered and painted white. A blue plinth runs along the walls, contrasting with the ceramic tiled floor and the two-pitched ceiling, also rendered and painted blue.

On the end wall, a large perfect arch niche, with its background and frame also in blue, houses a small altar. This altar is complemented by a gilt-carved corbel, where the image of the patron saint, Nossa Senhora do Alívio, is placed. The simplicity and choice of colors in the interior create an environment conducive to serenity, in keeping with the name and purpose of the place.

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