Chapel of Our Lady of Amparo of Pioledo

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Vila Real > Mondim de Basto > Pioledo > Bairro das Cerdeirinhas

Location

The Chapel of Our Lady of Amparo is located in Bairro das Cerdeirinhas, in the peaceful locality of Pioledo, within the municipality of Mondim de Basto. This place of worship is situated on a gentle slope, with a view opening onto the Cabrão River, providing a rural and naturally serene environment. The chapel is set in a paved square with granite cubes, surrounded by typical houses and cultivated fields, inviting a moment of quietude and contemplation.

Its Centenary History

The roots of this chapel delve into the 18th century, being a valuable example of the popular religious architecture that flourished in the region. Its official blessing, on October 24, 1753, marked the beginning of a long history of worship to Our Lady of Amparo. Since then, the chapel has been a point of reference for the local community, maintaining its original function. Over the centuries, the space has been cared for and enriched, with the main altarpiece being added in the 20th century and a welcoming porch built in 2001, integrating harmoniously into the original structure.

Architectural and Artistic Features

Built predominantly in granite ashlar, the chapel reveals a vernacular architecture of simple yet robust lines. Its facades show meticulous stonework, where the joints are highlighted in white, and the quoins rise crowned by pyramidal pinnacles. The main facade, facing west, is marked by the presence of a porch supported by six columns and an iron gate, which invites entry. At the top, an elegant bell tower with a single perfect arched window gives it a distinctive silhouette.

Inside, the granite wall facings create an atmosphere of solidity and devotion. The main altarpiece is the most prominent element, a polychrome carved piece from the 20th century, contrasting with a white background, displaying simulated marbling in shades of pink, blue, and green, enriched with delicate golden accents. This altarpiece is organized into three axes, with curved-profile niches flanked by smooth-shaft columns adorned with vegetal elements and Corinthian-inspired capitals. The wooden ceiling, in a trough-shaped style, with its varnished finish, contributes to the feeling of welcome and tranquility in the sacred space.

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