Category: Religious Architecture > Wayside Shrine / Niche
District: Viana do Castelo > Paredes de Coura > Cristelo > Corujeira
The Alminhas da Corujeira are located in the serene village of Corujeira, integrated into the parish of Cristelo and the municipality of Paredes de Coura, Viana do Castelo district. This point of interest is immersed in a predominantly rural landscape, characteristic of Northern Portugal, where tranquility and natural beauty intertwine with the presence of landmarks of faith and popular tradition. Its location invites observation of the surrounding countryside, a setting that maintains its deep roots in Minho life.
The Alminhas da Corujeira represent a simple yet profound testament to the faith and collective memory that have shaped Portuguese rural communities throughout the centuries. They are a place of spontaneous devotion, where passers-by, by habit or belief, can stop for a brief prayer. This type of monument is traditionally a gathering point for prayers for the souls of the deceased, or a place where a candle or a flower is laid as a sign of gratitude or request, reflecting popular piety and the connection between the world of the living and those who have passed on.
The structure of the Alminhas da Corujeira is an example of the simplicity and functionality that characterize these small roadside oratories. Generally built from local stone, the monument consists of a vertical body, which incorporates a recess or a niche. This space, sometimes protected by a small grate or door, is intended to house representations of religious figures. Inside, it is common to find imagery alluding to the souls in Purgatory, often depicted among flames, or figures of saints and Marian invocations, inviting contemplation and prayer.
Beyond their architectural and religious dimension, the Alminhas da Corujeira are a living repository of traditions and a link to the region's past. They keep alive the ancestral practice of praying for the deceased and the cult of memory, serving as a cultural reference point for the local community. Their presence in the rural landscape of Paredes de Coura underscores the importance of faith in the daily lives of these people, serving as a reminder of the continuity of devotional practices that are perpetuated from generation to generation, contributing to the richness of Northern Portugal's intangible heritage.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.9046486375, -8.54019705
Coordinates DMS: 41°54'16.7"N 08°32'24.7"W
On-duty Pharmacy Cristelo
