Chapel of the Lord of the Bridge

Category: Religious Architecture > Place of Worship

District: Vila Real > Mondim de Basto > São Cristóvão de Mondim de Basto > Mó

Location

The Chapel of Senhor da Ponte is located in the Mó area, within the locality of São Cristóvão de Mondim de Basto, in the municipality of Mondim de Basto. It is situated in a rural environment, at the southern tip of the parish, and occupies a central square, paved with granite cobblestones. This area is a confluence point for ancient paths, some of medieval origin, which bear witness to the region's historic communication routes, connecting Mondim de Basto to places such as Ermelo, Marão, Alvão, and Amarante. A few meters away, the medieval bridge over the Cabril River, which gives the chapel its name, can be found, framed by houses and courtyards.

Origin and Historical Legacy

The history of the Chapel of Senhor da Ponte dates back to the 18th century. In 1764, Father Manuel de Carvalho, parish priest of São Cristóvão, requested authorization to erect this temple. Its purpose was to house the image of the Crucified Christ, affectionately known as "Senhor da Ponte" (Lord of the Bridge), which until then crowned a granite cross at the entrance to the Cabril bridge. This image was widely venerated by the population due to the numerous miracles attributed to it, becoming a focal point of popular devotion. The construction of the chapel was a collective effort, financed through donations from neighbors, travelers, and pilgrims, with several rural properties being bequeathed for the purpose.

For centuries, the chapel was an important center of faith, attracting devotees from various backgrounds. Until the mid-20th century, around the 1950s, it hosted an annual festival in honor of Saint Peter, celebrated on June 29, which gathered many devotees. Recently, in 2023, the Chapel of Senhor da Ponte underwent a requalification by the Municipal Council, ensuring its preservation and enhancement as a cultural landmark.

Architecture and Artistic Elements

The Chapel of Senhor da Ponte exhibits characteristics of Baroque religious architecture, with a longitudinal single-nave plan. Its main façade, facing north, features a gable with a cornice, framed by a wide arch-like molding in a perfect circle over Doric pilasters, elements that may date from the 19th century. The entrance is marked by a straight lintel portal, flanked by two oculos and topped by a slit.

Inside, the main altarpiece of stone with polychrome painting stands out, surrounding a niche where the venerated image of Senhor da Ponte is located, resting on a column decorated with blue and red vegetal motifs. The wooden ceiling, with a curved profile, is particularly notable for its elaborate polychromatic paintings. In the center, one can contemplate a representation of the Resurrected Christ in a cartouche, surmounted by the radiant dove of the Holy Spirit, surrounded by painted frames with flowers, foliage, and angels. These paintings, which include the techniques of _quadratura_ and _rocaille_ in _trompe l'oeil_, reveal a work of great artistic erudition.

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