Chapel of Saint Blaise

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viana do Castelo > Melgaço > Padreiro > Charneca

Location

The Chapel of São Brás is located in the Charneca area, in the village of Padreiro, which is part of the municipality of Melgaço. Situated in an environment that invites serenity, the chapel stands on a slightly elevated platform beside the hillside, parallel to the main road, and features a simple yet welcoming churchyard, delimited by a wall that invites a peaceful pause.

Architectural Features

This chapel, though modest in size, captivates with its uniqueness. Its building is constructed predominantly of granite ashlar masonry, revealing a religious architecture of simple lines but with a notable presence. The temple's plan is rectangular, composed of a single nave, and is distinguished by its frontal fore-porch, which is a later addition, probably from the 19th or 20th centuries. This fore-porch features distinct volumes and an independent roof. The main facade, topped with a gable, is adorned by a cross and pyramidal pinnacles. Upon entering, visitors will find an interior with ashlar flagstone flooring, whitewashed walls, and a wooden ceiling, which is trough-shaped and painted in a soft sky blue, creating an atmosphere of introspection.

Historical Perspective

The history of the Chapel of São Brás most probably dates back to the 16th or 17th centuries, the period when its original construction would have begun. Old documents, such as the Parochial Memoirs of 1758, already referenced its existence and the traditional celebration of the patron saint's feast, Saint Blaise. Throughout the centuries, the building underwent several interventions and adaptations, including the construction of the fore-porch, which altered its initial configuration, and other works carried out in the 20th century.

Heritage Value

The Chapel of São Brás is recognized for its heritage and historical value, being classified as a Property of Public Interest (IIP). This classification underscores its importance within the cultural and religious context of the region. Furthermore, the chapel is located within the area of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, a fact that highlights its setting in a natural landscape of great beauty and conservation, inviting contemplation of both the heritage and the natural surroundings.

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