Chapel of Our Lady of Lapas

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Santarém > Tomar > Cadaval

Location

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Lapas is located in the area of Lapas, in the locality of Cadaval, within the municipality of Tomar. This place is distinguished by a serene and natural environment, typically associated with the rock formations that gave the site its name. The presence of a nearby watercourse contributes to a fresher and shadier atmosphere, ideal for a moment of tranquility, especially on hotter days.

The chapel is situated on a rocky massif, rising slightly and offering a unique perspective on the surrounding natural environment. This positioning gives it a sense of seclusion and isolation, making it a refuge for those seeking peace and the observation of the rural landscape.

A Historical Legacy

The history of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Lapas dates back to the 17th century, the period in which it was built. Its construction is attributed to Abbot João Cansado, driven by the existing devotion to the image of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, venerated since the beginning of the century in the lapa (or rocky cavity) located in front of the chapel. This link with the origins of devotion, in a natural setting, gives the temple a unique character and a deep connection with local traditions.

A notable historical fact is a papal brief granted by Alexander VII in 1659, which granted special privileges to those who prayed mass there. This documentation underscores the importance and recognition of the sanctuary throughout the centuries, making it a point of pilgrimage and faith.

Architecture and Art

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Lapas features Mannerist architecture, with a rectangular plan and a sober-looking façade, with its angular gable and a portal that, despite classical elements, reveals a popular character in its treatment. Its quoining, pilasters, and plinth softly contrast with the white walls, using yellowish tones that give it a visual identity.

The interior of the chapel surprises with its decorative richness, contrasting with its more unadorned exterior. The single space, covered by a barrel vault, is adorned with murals and tiles depicting biblical scenes such as the Adoration of the Magi and the Annunciation, complemented by figures of angels and Mannerist elements. This artistic ensemble invites contemplation and reveals the mastery of the artisans of the time.

The Legend of the Image

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Lapas is not only a place of worship but also a space full of symbolism and tradition. Devotion to the image of Nossa Senhora da Lapa is intimately linked to the original "lapa," a natural cavity in the rock where the image is believed to have appeared and was initially venerated. Popular belief holds that, even after the chapel's construction and the image's transfer to its interior, it insisted on returning to its original lapa, a fact that intensified the mystery and faith associated with this place.

This legend underscores the spiritual connection between the chapel, the image, and the surrounding rocky landscape, offering visitors not only a monument to admire but also a story that echoes the community's deep religiosity and attachment to its natural and cultural heritage.

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