Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viana do Castelo > Vila Nova de Cerveira > Paredes > Gávea
The small chapel stands alongside the Gávea municipal road, in Paredes, within the municipality of Vila Nova de Cerveira. Surrounded by terraces and typical Minho vegetation, it is located on a slightly elevated spot, with views over the green slopes descending towards the valley.
The paved path accompanying the temple facilitates access on foot or by bicycle; it is commonly found framed by the rural silence and the gentle rustle of trees nearby.
Erected in granite stonework, the chapel exhibits a simple architectural style, possibly dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century. Its dedication to S. Julião and Santa Bazaliza reflects ancient religious traditions of the region.
The bell-tower crowning, with a stone-molded bell and a cross at the top, reinforces the vernacular character of this construction, bearing witness to local devotion and the commitment of rural communities to maintaining their small places of worship.
The irregular granite walls, marked by time, contrast with the clay tile roof, giving it an austere and genuine appearance. The wooden portal and small grated windows punctuate the facade, creating a very subtle interplay of interior light.
Around it, a sheltered space allows for a moment's stop: it's a suitable spot for photographs that capture the relationship between the temple and the surrounding greenery. The tranquil atmosphere invites unhurried contemplation, far from the urban pace.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.9510001,-8.7176423
Coordinates DMS: 41°57'3.6"N 08°43'3.5"W