Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Vila Real > Alijó > Pegarinhos > Castorigo
Located in the Castorigo urbanisation, in the serene village of Pegarinhos, in the municipality of Alijó, the Chapel of São Bartolomeu (St. Bartholomew) offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of a rural landscape. It stands on a slightly elevated platform, giving it a distinct presence amidst the surrounding farmlands. Its natural and isolated setting provides a sense of quietude and connection to the Trás-os-Montes environment, with the churchyard enclosed by stone walls and dotted with a few trees.
The Chapel of São Bartolomeu is a remarkable testament to devotion and community effort. Built in the 17th century by the local population itself, it features a simple rectangular layout, but with details that reveal its evolution over time. In 1773, a narthex, or porch, was added, which today stands out for its wide arched opening and a cartouche that records the date of this important addition. The façades are sober, adorned with pilasters on the corners and pinnacles that crown the structure, and a modest bell gable on the roof. Its construction with plastered walls and the use of granite ashlar for elements such as the plinth and the window and door frames demonstrate the robustness and authenticity of the architecture of the period.
Upon crossing the main portal, one discovers an interior where the external simplicity gives way to remarkable artistic richness. The floor of stone slabs and the painted walls create a welcoming atmosphere, but the real highlight is its ceiling, a wooden barrel vault ceiling, which surprises with its 18th-century paintings. The focal point is, without a doubt, the main altarpiece. This imposing piece of gilded and polychrome woodcarving, in the Joanine Baroque style, features twisted columns and corbels adorned with angels, which blend harmoniously with shell motifs and cut-out elements, a result of a Rococo-style remodelling. The decoration of the altar frontal complements this ensemble, revealing the delicacy and attention to detail of the artists who conceived it.
Beyond its architectural and artistic beauty, the Chapel of São Bartolomeu holds deep cultural and symbolic value for the region. For centuries, it was a meeting point for numerous pilgrimages, especially on August 24th, the day dedicated to its patron saint, St. Bartholomew. The memory of these celebrations, which attracted a vast number of people, underscores the central role the chapel played in the spiritual and social life of the community of Pegarinhos and the neighbouring parishes. A visit to this site invites reflection on the faith and traditions that have shaped the identity of these lands of Trás-os-Montes.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.3591134,-7.4432636
Coordinates DMS: 41°21'32.8"N 07°26'35.7"W
Weather Pegarinhos
On-duty Pharmacy Pegarinhos
