Our Lady of Viso Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Vila Real > Santa Marta de Penaguião > Tabuadelo > Santa Quitéria

Location

The Chapel of Senhora do Viso stands in the locality of Tabuadelo, belonging to the municipality of Santa Marta de Penaguião, in the urbanization or area of Santa Quitéria. Situated on a mountainside, halfway up, its privileged position offers a broad perspective of the surrounding landscape, in an environment that transitions between the Demarcated Douro Region and the Serra do Marão. The site is integrated into an artificial platform, with supporting walls made of schist, and features an outdoor area designed for rest and contemplation.

This chapel, now a sanctuary, is isolated in the rural landscape, offering a tranquil refuge. The elevation on which it stands is gently contoured, covered by low-lying vegetation and dense chestnut trees, contributing to the serene atmosphere of the ensemble.

History and Tradition

The history of the Chapel of Senhora do Viso possibly dates back to the 16th century, marking its deep origins in the region. Over the following centuries, the temple was successively enriched and transformed, reflecting the artistic styles and devotions of each era. In the 17th century, the chapel gained its side altarpieces, and the nave walls were adorned with tiles. In the 18th century, the main altarpiece was added, and the ceilings of the nave and chancel received notable paintings. During these centuries, the site established itself as an important pilgrimage center, attracting the faithful from various neighboring communities, a tradition that continues to this day.

Furthermore, according to local tradition, the Chapel of Senhora do Viso is said to have been the first parish church of the parish, underscoring its historical and religious relevance for Tabuadelo and its surroundings.

Architecture and Sacred Art

The chapel's architecture features a simple rectangular plan, composed of the nave and a narrower chancel, to which the sacristy and a bell tower are attached. The plastered and white-painted facades are distinguished by their granite quoins and portals. The main facade, facing west, is topped by a pediment, notable for its arched portal and a curvilinear-top window, framed by moldings.

The interior is a treasure trove of sacred art, where the nave walls display a remarkable covering of polychrome tiles from the 17th century, creating a rich visual pattern. The ceilings, both in the nave and the chancel, are wooden and adorned with paintings, often in coffered sections, depicting religious themes and phytomorphic motifs. The chapel also features side altarpieces of Mannerist carving and an imposing main altarpiece in Rococo carving, profusely decorated with columns and floral elements, which frames the image of Senhora do Viso. The pulpit, also in polychrome carving, adds another point of artistic interest to the ensemble.

Space for Contemplation and Leisure

Beyond its religious and architectural value, the Chapel of Senhora do Viso offers an encompassing space that invites tranquility and contemplation of the landscape. The chapel's forecourt is a central gathering point, flanked by iron structures that, during festive times, host community activities. Behind the building, a pleasant leisure area extends.

This space, the result of a more recent urban planning arrangement, integrates schist walls, staircases, and ramps that lead to tiered platforms, equipped with tables and benches, ideal for a moment of rest or a family picnic. At the heart of this area, a granite stone fountain with two spouts adds a picturesque touch and invites freshness, making the location even more pleasant for those seeking peace and an unobstructed view of the surrounding greenery.

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