Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Vila Real > Murça > Jou

Location

The Chapel of Santa Maria Madalena is located in the small village of Jou, in the municipality of Murça. It is nestled in a landscape that reflects the rural tranquility of the Northeast Trás-os-Montes region, far from the hustle and bustle of urban centers. Its position in the village allows for an authentic perspective on local life and the natural surroundings, offering a refuge of serenity.

Access to the chapel is part of the experience of discovering the more discreet corners of the region, inviting a moment of quietude in the heart of this community.

History and Legacy

The roots of the Chapel of Santa Maria Madalena possibly date back to the 17th century, suggesting a long history and a significant presence in the region. Its importance is underscored by a documentary reference from the 18th century, which included it in an old "Rellação de Vila Real," attesting to its relevance over time.

Although it is an old construction, the chapel has not remained untouched, having undergone interventions and adaptations during the 19th century. These alterations contributed to its current form, without, however, erasing its historical character and the legacy of its origins.

Architecture and Details

The chapel's architecture is distinguished by a two-sided roof and a clear division into two volumes: a single nave and a chancel, the latter being slightly lower, giving it a characteristic and modest silhouette.

The main facade features an entrance portal, accessed by a set of semicircular stairs. This portal is flanked by decorative elements that simulate small columns and is surmounted by a pediment that, broken in the middle, displays an elegant stone design in the shape of a shell. At the same level, two windows stand out, and in the upper volume and in the center, a clock, installed in 1909, marks the time of the village. A stone Latin cross crowns the ensemble, and to the right of the facade, the bell tower is attached, completing the exterior composition.

Inside, the floor is covered with irregular granite slabs, and the wooden ceiling has a white tone that creates a serene contrast with the robustness of the stone. The overall style of the monument is considered Mannerist. Worthy of note are the choir loft, with its wooden railing, and the two side altars, richly worked in polychrome carving, which are located next to the triumphal arch.

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