Pereiras Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Arcozelo

Location

Located in the parish of Arcozelo, in the municipality of Ponte de Lima, the Chapel of Pereiras stands on an urban mass that offers a distinct perspective on its surroundings. Rising on a platform, it forms an inviting atrium, accessed by a staircase. Its position harks back to the route of the ancient village wall, which in times past ran alongside its rear facade.

Historical Background

The history of the Chapel of Pereiras dates back to the 16th century, when Pedro Afonso Fiuza and Catarina Madriz commissioned its construction to replace a small pre-existing hermitage. The edifice observed today is largely the result of a significant reconstruction carried out in the 19th century. This intervention transformed the temple, expanding it with a new chancel and sacristy, giving it its current Baroque characteristics. Over the centuries, the site witnessed the passage of important figures, such as D. Luís I, who visited it in 1872, highlighting its relevance in the region.

Architectural and Artistic Details

The architecture of the Chapel of Pereiras features a rectangular plan, comprising a single nave and a lower chancel. The facades are marked by pilasters and topped by cornices, culminating in a cut-out gable on the main facade, notable for its Borromini-inspired cornice and the presence of a family coat of arms. Laterally, a quadrangular bell tower, notably unfinished, lends a unique feature to the complex. Inside, sober white walls support a false barrel vault. A pulpit can be observed, and in the chancel, a polychrome carved altarpiece, as well as heraldic tombstones on the pavement, which tell stories of ancient lineages.

A Space Under Renovation

After a period of degradation, the Chapel of Pereiras was donated to the Municipality of Ponte de Lima in 1979, initiating a recovery process. Interventions over the years, notably in 1998, focused on the rehabilitation of the interior and the creation of support facilities. Currently, this space stands as a testament to the capacity for heritage preservation and has served as a venue for cultural events, revitalizing its role within the local community and for visitors.

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