Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Pinheiros de Azeitão > Alto das Necessidades
The Chapel of Necessidades is located in the locality of Pinheiros de Azeitão, in the municipality of Setúbal. It can be seen on the Alto das Necessidades, an area that preserves a predominantly rural and open environment, lending the site an atmosphere of tranquility.
Its location, next to the old road that connected Vendas de Azeitão to other places, underscores its historical importance as a point of reference and devotion throughout the centuries. Its position in an open area invites a peaceful pause for visitors.
The Chapel of Necessidades, with modest architecture and simple lines, was built in the 18th century, around 1756. Its main purpose was to safeguard and protect an invaluable and much older monument: the Cruz das Vendas, or Cruzeiro das Necessidades. This duality of eras, with the chapel sheltering a medieval piece, makes the ensemble particularly interesting.
This notable wayside cross has been classified as a National Monument since 1910, attesting to its patrimonial relevance. Its presence in the center of the chapel creates a visual and historical link between the 18th-century construction and the Gothic art that has been preserved throughout the centuries.
Inside the Chapel of Necessidades, the Cruz das Vendas reveals its imposing presence and artistic details. Dated from the 15th century, more precisely from 1474, this cross is a notable example of Gothic religious art. It rests on an octagonal base, from which rises a hexagonal column, topped by a pedestal.
The wayside cross is richly adorned with four coats of arms, among which that of the Vila-Lobos family stands out. On one side of the cross, the representation of Christ crucified can be seen. On the opposite side, an image of the Virgin and Child, holding a dove, completes the symbolism of the piece. An inscription in Gothic characters, present at the base, elucidates that its construction was the work of Vasco Queimado de Vila-Lobos, linking the monument to a prominent figure of the era.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.5291846,-8.9835344
Coordinates DMS: 38°31'45.1"N 08°59'0.7"W
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