Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viana do Castelo > Paredes de Coura > Insalde > São Pedro
Situated in the São Pedro area, in the locality of Insalde, within the municipality of Paredes de Coura, this chapel is found in a tranquil rural setting. Surrounded by trees, it stands next to a road, protected by a walled and paved churchyard. Its position invites a moment of quietude and contemplation of the surrounding landscape.
The Chapel of São Pedro, today recognized as a National Monument, possesses a history dating back, at least, to the 13th century. Its original construction, in Romanesque style, dates from that period, although it has undergone various remodelling and expansions over the centuries. In the 16th century, the nave was expanded, altering the primitive layout of the interior space. Subsequently, in the 17th century, the bell tower was added, modifying the frontal façade. Archaeological excavations carried out on site revealed vestiges of medieval graves, including the reuse of stones from the Roman period, testifying to the long and rich occupation of this site over time.
The building, constructed from granite masonry, exhibits the robustness and simplicity characteristic of the Romanesque architecture of Alto Minho. One of its most notable features is the main portal, with a full arch, featuring several archivolts that rest on columns. The capitals of these columns are richly decorated, displaying vegetal and zoomorphic motifs. In the tympanum, a representation of Christ in Mandorla can be observed, while the central columns feature sculptures that evoke the Annunciation, with figures of an angel and the Virgin. Along the structure, a cornice adorns the walls, presenting different patterns such as chessboard, lacework, and lozenges, supported by sculpted corbels, some with human and animal figures, which reflect the popular art of the medieval period.
Inside the chapel, natural light penetrates through narrow slits, creating a serene atmosphere inviting introspection. The walls preserve fragments of frescoes, which, despite being partially superimposed and having a restricted colour palette, reveal the artistic richness that adorned the space at different times. The exposed wooden ceiling and the flagstone floor contribute to the sobriety and authenticity of the ambiance, allowing visitors to appreciate the original essence of the temple.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.9456442,-8.5221363
Coordinates DMS: 41°56'44.3"N 08°31'19.7"W
Weather Insalde
On-duty Pharmacy Insalde
