Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Vila Real > Boticas > Carvalhelhos > Bairro das Caldas de Carvalhelhos
The Chapel of Santa Bárbara is situated within the cluster of houses in Bairro das Caldas de Carvalhelhos, an area of the locality of Carvalhelhos, in the municipality of Boticas. It is seamlessly integrated into the village's urban fabric, at a point that invites a pause to observe its characteristic features.
On the exterior, the chapel reveals an architecture marked by simplicity and the robustness of granite. Its main facade stands out with a perfect round arch portal, flanked by two narrow, vertical windows that function as slits. At the top of the gable, a granite bell tower rises, semicircular in shape, topped by a cross, lending a distinctive touch to its silhouette.
Upon entering, the interior space of the Chapel of Santa Bárbara stands out for its minimalist atmosphere. Far from the opulence of the gilded carved altars that once adorned it, the interior presents a simplicity that highlights the essence of the place. The chancel wall, crafted from polished granite, accommodates a wooden crucifix, while the side walls display a unique collection of religious images. Arranged on corbels, these popular devotions are uniquely organized: representations of male figures occupy the Gospel side and female figures fill the Epistle side wall, an arrangement that reflects devotional traditions.
The Chapel of Santa Bárbara is a testament to the passage of time and human interventions. Throughout its existence, it has been subjected to successive restoration and consolidation works. These interventions, though necessary, resulted in significant alterations to its original structure, contributing to its current configuration and to its history told through the marks left by each era.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.6904576,-7.7268778
Coordinates DMS: 41°41'25.6"N 07°43'36.8"W
Weather Carvalhelhos
On-duty Pharmacy Carvalhelhos
