Oratorio of the Holy Christ

Category: Religious Architecture > Wayside Shrine / Niche

District: Viana do Castelo > Monção > Ponte de Mouro > Forte

Location

The Oratory of Santo Cristo is located in Ponte de Mouro, in the municipality of Monção, specifically in the urban area known as Forte. Its position is central in the village, harmoniously integrated into the local environment. It is situated right next to the churchyard of the Chapel of São Félix and facing the main street. This oratory is part of a historical route, being a point on the old and traditional pilgrimage path that connected Monção to the famous pilgrimage of Senhora da Peneda.

Architecture and Time

This Baroque-style oratory was built in 1753, marking its presence in the region's landscape since the 18th century. It features a unique construction with a rectangular plan and a porch, covered by a simple hip roof. The facades are plastered and whitewashed, adorned by a projecting cornice and corner pilasters.

On the main facade, facing southeast, a paved area precedes the entrance, accessible by two steps. Above the main arch, there is a cartouche rich in phytomorphic motifs and symbols of the Passion of Christ. The side facades, also with arched openings, are partially protected by low granite walls, and on them, other cartouches display the oratory's construction date and the word "ANNO", underlining its antiquity.

The Heart of the Oratory: The Stone Cross

Inside the oratory, the central element is a remarkable granite stone cross. This monument consists of a monolithic parallelepiped pedestal, which serves as a base for an equally monolithic and circular-section shaft. The base of the shaft stands out due to painted human figures and phytomorphic motifs, which artistically envelop the stone.

At the top of the shaft, a spherical capital displays a coat of arms, where the blazons of the Pereira, Castro, and Sotomayor families are recognizable, indicating historical and noble connections. The stone cross culminates in a molded Latin cross, of quadrangular section, which features the sculptural representation of the Lord on the Cross, with parallel feet, and the inscription "INRI" on the upper cartouche. Behind the stone cross, a wooden panel with a curved upper cutout complements the scene of the Crucifixion, reinforcing the symbolism of the space.

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