Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viana do Castelo > Valença > Gandra e Taião > Conguedo e Balagota
The Chapel of Senhor do Bomfim is located in the Conguedo and Balagota area, a part of the parish of Gandra and Taião, situated within the municipality of Valença. Although it is integrated into a contemporary urban environment, flanked by some more recent constructions and close to a sports stadium, the chapel maintains an open space to its south, offering a perspective that invites observation of its main facade.
Dating back to the 17th century, this chapel has its roots in the initiative of Father Diogo Mendes, of Castilian origin. Its construction, a significant investment for the time, reflects the commitment to creating a space for faith and devotion. Over the centuries, the chapel has been a continuous place of worship, maintaining its original religious function.
A notable aspect of its history is the institution of the Via Sacra (Stations of the Cross) in 1728. This tradition is manifested through several crosses affixed to the building's facade, inviting meditation and the spiritual journey that culminates in this temple.
The Chapel of Senhor do Bomfim presents an interesting fusion of styles, with Mannerist, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements visible in its structure. The exterior is marked by a notable simplicity, with plain wall surfaces that highlight the presence of the bell tower, which distinguishes it in its urban setting.
Contrary to its apparent exterior simplicity, the chapel's interior reveals surprising decorative richness. The single-space nave is covered by a tempera-painted wooden ceiling, adorned with gold details, giving it a trapezoidal profile. In the choir loft, two fluted columns supporting a balustraded balcony stand out, contributing to the solemnity of the space.
The experience inside the chapel is dominated by the exuberant presence of azulejos (tiles), which cover the entirety of the walls. These figurative panels, in shades of blue and white, create a captivating visual atmosphere and transport the visitor to a universe of narratives and artistic patterns of the era.
The main altar is one of the focal points of the temple, displaying a large-scale oil painting. Its Mannerist altarpiece-type facade is complemented by lateral altars in Baroque carving, which harmonize in the decoration and artistic expression of the ensemble. Natural light, coming from strategically placed windows, enhances the beauty of these decorative elements.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 42.0089883,-8.637521
Coordinates DMS: 42°00'32.4"N 08°38'15.1"W
Weather Gandra e Taião
On-duty Pharmacy Gandra e Taião
