Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Vila Real > Murça > Murça > Bairro do Seixo
The Chapel of the Misericórdia of Murça is located within the Seixo Neighborhood, in the town of Murça, municipality of Murça. It is situated on Marquês de Valle Flor Street, in an urban setting where it stands out prominently, although surrounded by other buildings. A small churchyard, delimited by wrought iron railings and stone pillars, precedes the main facade, inviting visitors to approach this remarkable building.
Built in 1692, the Chapel of the Misericórdia of Murça is a monument with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Originally, this private chapel belonged to the influential House of Melos, the first Counts of Murça. Over time, its management passed to the Holy House of Mercy, becoming an important center of faith and assistance in the community. Recognized for its patrimonial relevance, it was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1974, attesting to its value for national heritage.
This chapel is a remarkable example of the Baroque in the region, distinguished by the exuberance of its carved stonework. The main facade is richly ornamented, with a portico flanked by four Solomonic columns, meticulously carved with motifs of vine leaves and birds, supporting an elaborate entablature. In the tympanum, a niche houses the image of Our Lady of Conception. On the pediment, the coats of arms of the Counts of Murça stand out, along with two cartouches with Latin inscriptions that invite reflection: "Wisdom has built a temple for Herself, and thinking of it, has carved seven columns" and "How terrible is this place: this is the house of God and the gate of heaven".
Inside, the chapel reveals a single nave, crowned by a false barrel vault ceiling. This ceiling features Mannerist mural paintings from the late 17th century, with phytomorphic patterns and figurative representations, such as that of King David playing the harp. The altarpieces, in gilded Baroque carving, and the wooden choir stalls complete the ambiance of devotion and art. The wall preceding the chancel is a true altarpiece in stonework, profusely decorated, adding a unique artistic depth to the space.
Recently, the Chapel of the Misericórdia of Murça benefited from a comprehensive restoration intervention. This project, which recovered elements such as the mural painting, granites, marbles, carving, and sculptures, ensured the preservation of its beauty and architectural integrity. Currently, the chapel not only serves as a place of worship but also projects itself as a space of memory, ideal for hosting cultural events and promoting community gatherings.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.403466,-7.454991
Coordinates DMS: 41°24'12.5"N 07°27'18.0"W
Weather Murça
On-duty Pharmacy Murça
