Chapel of Saint Lawrence

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Vila Real > Santa Marta de Penaguião > Vila Maior > Romarigo

Location

Situated in Vila Maior, a picturesque locality in the municipality of Santa Marta de Penaguião, the Chapel of Saint Lawrence is located in the Romarigo area. It stands in a small square, adapted to the slope of the terrain, which gives it a particular setting and access via a few steps from the street.

The surrounding environment is that of a rural, tranquil, and isolated village, where the chapel harmoniously integrates into the urban fabric, maintaining its relevance as a point of reference and faith for the local community.

History and Patron Saint

The construction of this chapel probably dates back to the 17th or 18th centuries, a period when many religious buildings were erected in rural communities. Its existence is confirmed in old documents, such as the Parochial Memoirs of 1758, which already noted the Chapel of Saint Lawrence as a pilgrimage site in Vila Maior, attracting faithful on the day of its patron saint.

Throughout the 20th century, with the construction of a new, larger chapel in the same place, this old hermitage saw its patron saint changed to Our Lady of Nazareth. However, the original name of Saint Lawrence endures in the collective memory and tradition of the locality.

Architecture and Details

The Chapel of Saint Lawrence features Mannerist religious architecture, characterized by its simple longitudinal plan and the sobriety of its forms. The facades, plastered and painted white with a darker base, give it a discreet and elegant appearance.

The main facade, oriented northeast, stands out for its truncated gable that culminates in a singular bell tower with a perfect arch, topped by pyramidal pinnacles and a Latin cross. On this facade, there is a straight lintel portal, surmounted by a triangular pediment and a circular oculus, flanked by two rectangular windows with granite stonework frames and iron grilles. The side and rear facades are plain, contributing to the harmonious simplicity of the ensemble.

The Cult of Saint Lawrence

Saint Lawrence, the initial figure of devotion in this chapel, is one of the most venerated Christian martyrs since the 4th century. He was one of the seven deacons of Rome and, according to tradition, stood out for his charity and courage in the face of persecution. His story, marked by martyrdom on a grill, is remembered annually on August 10, the day his feast is celebrated.

In Vila Maior, the devotion to Saint Lawrence is secular, and the feast in his honor is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious in the municipality. Although the chapel's patron saint has changed, the community's connection to this saint remains alive, maintaining a rich cultural and religious tradition around his legacy.

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