Chapel of Saint Barbara

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Vila Real > Alijó > Santa Eugénia > Santa Bárbara

Location

The Chapel of Santa Bárbara is situated in an elevated position in the Santa Bárbara area, in the locality of Santa Eugénia, in the municipality of Alijó. Due to its elevation, it offers a comprehensive panoramic view. From here, one can see a vast expanse of the surrounding landscape, allowing contemplation of distant horizons, where the silhouette of the Serra do Marão stands out.

Architecture and History

This chapel is the result of a construction that recreated an older structure, manifesting itself in a style that incorporates characteristics of architectural revivalism. Its construction integrates elements that evoke the sobriety of the Mannerist style, observable, for example, in the side elevations devoid of openings and finished with a cornice. Overall, the building reflects a reinterpretation of classical features, giving it its own identity.

Interior Details

Upon entering the Chapel of Santa Bárbara, one finds an interior where the nave and the chancel are covered by wooden ceilings, contributing to a particular atmosphere. One of the central points is the main altarpiece, a work of carved wood that combines polychromy with gilding, presenting lines that echo revivalist influences, sometimes with details that refer to Mannerism. The presence of a choir loft further enriches the composition of the internal space.

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