Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Vila Real > São Tomé do Castelo e Justes

Location

The Chapel of Santa Maria Madalena rises in the picturesque locality of Justes, an area that is part of the union of parishes of São Tomé do Castelo and Justes, in the municipality of Vila Real. The chapel harmoniously integrates into a predominantly rural environment, in a forecourt that gives it an aura of tranquility. Around it, vestiges of an old cemetery can still be perceived, elements that come together to define its peculiar historical and scenic setting.

Historical Roots

This chapel possesses a history that dates back to distant times. Although its current structure may have its origins in the 17th century and underwent some alterations in the 19th century, historical documents point to a much earlier foundation. It is believed that its creation, along with an adjacent thermal hospital, occurred in the 12th century, by initiative of D. Mafalda, wife of D. Afonso Henriques. For centuries, the chapel assumed the role of the old mother church of Justes, a testament to its relevance in the life of the community over time. The site where it is located was even mentioned in an 18th-century "Rellação de Vila Real", emphasizing its lasting presence in local memory.

The Architecture

The Chapel of Santa Maria Madalena features Mannerist-style architecture, characterized by its simplicity and elegance. The building is composed of two distinct bodies, the single nave and the chancel, the latter slightly lower, both covered by gabled roofs. The main façade is one of its most interesting points. The entrance portal is accessed by a set of semicircular stairs, flanked by elements resembling small columns, the "false pilasters". At the top, a broken pediment stands out, adorned by a delicate stone design in the shape of a shell. At the same level as the pediment, two windows are observed, and in the upper volume, at the center, a clock that was placed there in 1909. A stone Latin cross crowns the pediment. To the right of the façade, the bell tower is attached, completing the exterior image.

Interior Details

Upon entering the chapel, the visitor encounters an environment of simple beauty. The floor is covered with irregularly shaped granite slabs, lending a rustic touch to the space. The wooden ceiling is painted white, contributing to the interior's luminosity. The chapel houses a choir loft, with a wooden balustrade, and two lateral altars, richly crafted in polychrome carving, located next to the triumphal arch. The main altarpiece, although the detailed information is not the most relevant for a general public, integrates into the ensemble, adding artistic depth and a visual focus to the chancel. These elements, together, reveal the dedication and appreciation for sacred art that mark this place.

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