Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Vila Real > Povoação
The Chapel of Santo Amaro is situated in the municipality and district of Vila Real, more precisely in the locality of Povoação. This place offers a serene environment, framed by the region's surroundings, inviting contemplation. Its position allows for a peaceful connection with the surrounding landscape, characterized by an atmosphere of seclusion.
The history of the Chapel of Santo Amaro has roots that date back to at least the 18th century. A date inscribed on the main portal, "AD 1726," points to the possible period of its construction or a significant intervention in its nave. As early as 1758, documents such as the Parish Memoirs of the time referred to the chapel, highlighting its role as a place of pilgrimage that attracted numerous pilgrims. It was especially on January 15th, the date dedicated to its patron saint, that a notable brotherhood was present, responsible for organizing a solemn festivity. Over time, the building underwent adaptations, such as the porch, which was likely added later, probably between the 19th and 20th centuries, and a side door that bears the year 1949, testifying to the continuous evolution of the space.
The chapel exhibits a vernacular religious architectural style, characterized by its simplicity and integration into the landscape. It has a rectangular floor plan, composed of a nave and a chancel, the latter being slightly wider and taller than the nave. At the entrance, it is preceded by a welcoming porch, which accentuates its traditional character. Laterally, attached to the right facade, there is a quadrangular sacristy. The building's volumes are staggered, with independent gabled roofs, finished with simple eaves. The facades are plastered and whitewashed, with the robust granite cornerstones standing out, lending solidity to the structure.
On the main facade, facing west, the nave's gable is topped by a bell-gable with a round arch, flanked by pyramidal pinnacles. The entrance portal, with a straight lintel, features a frame with protruding corners, where the aforementioned inscription indicating the year 1726 is set. The left side facade has no openings, while the opposite one has a side door, which bears the date 1949, and a small slit window in the chancel, protected by a grille. The materials used in its construction, such as the granite stonework used in the openings and the tile roofing, highlight its simplicity and the harmonious integration of this building into its surrounding environment.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.2225873,-7.7518455
Coordinates DMS: 41°13'21.3"N 07°45'6.6"W
Weather Vila Real
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