Chapel of Saint Abdon of Correlhã

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Correlhã > Santo Abdão

Location

Located in the village of Correlhã, in the municipality of Ponte de Lima, the Chapel of Santo Abdão stands on an elevated area, in the zone that gives it its name. Its position offers an atmosphere of tranquility, inviting a moment of serenity and contemplation of the surrounding landscape. This location provides a calm perspective and a refuge from the daily rhythm.

A Historical and Legendary Legacy

The Chapel of Santo Abdão, whose construction dates back to the 13th century, carries with it a collection of stories and speculations. An ancient legend suggests its foundation by three Italian pilgrims who, en route to Santiago de Compostela, spent the night at this site and decided to erect a place of devotion to the martyred saint. However, some also point to a possible origin linked to a funerary purpose, a plausible hypothesis given the characteristics of the era and the monument. Regardless of its exact history, the chapel was recognized in 1957 as a Property of Public Interest, underscoring its value in Portuguese cultural heritage.

Distinct Architectural Features

This chapel presents itself as a notable example of the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles in Portugal. Its structure is simple, consisting of a single nave culminating in a quadrangular chancel. On the exterior, the pointed arch portal stands out, adorned with capitals displaying delicate vegetal motifs, and a rose window on the frontispiece, which adds a touch of beauty to the structure built in granite. Attentive observers will also notice a cross on the tympanum and the sculpted corbels that outline the building. A particularly intriguing detail is the absence of a central figure on the western tympanum, which, according to old descriptions, depicted a naked man and was removed in the 18th century. This mysterious element, which has generated various interpretations, adds a layer of curiosity to the visit.

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