Tojais Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Vila Real > Ribeira de Pena > Tojais > Cerva e Limões

Location

The Chapel of Tojais is located in the serene locality of Tojais, a village situated in the Cerva and Limões area, within the municipality of Ribeira de Pena. The surrounding environment is that of a peaceful village, where the chapel quietly stands, inviting a moment of tranquility and observation. Its position within this rural community offers a glimpse into the region's authenticity.

18th-Century Testament

Built in the 18th century, the Chapel of Tojais is a remarkable example of religious architecture from that period. Its construction reflects the language and characteristics of sacred buildings that emerged in local Portuguese communities. Although its facade may seem modest, the chapel holds the weight of generations of history and faith, maintaining its importance as a cultural and spiritual landmark in the landscape of Tojais.

The Interior and Its Details

Upon crossing the threshold of the Chapel of Tojais, visitors are greeted by a unique and welcoming interior space. The ceiling is notably covered by a barrel vault, which lends a sense of continuity and lightness to the ambiance. Near the entrance portals, one can observe the traditional holy water fonts, elements that, like silent guardians, flank the access to the sacred space. On the end wall, a round-arch niche forms the focal point of the interior, a place where the main altarpiece would once have been integrated, inviting introspection and appreciation of the site's architectural simplicity and beauty.

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