Chapel of the Lord

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Vila Real > Mondim de Basto > Lugar do Souto > Lugar do Conde de Vila Real

Location

The Chapel of the Lord (Capela do Senhor) stands in the heart of Mondim de Basto, specifically in Lugar do Souto. It is situated in a spacious square, paved with granite slabs, and is surrounded by buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Its central location allows for easy integration into the village environment, offering visitors a point of historical and cultural interest within a traditional urban setting.

A Look at History and Architecture

This chapel, classified as a Property of Public Interest, boasts a history spanning several centuries. Although its initial construction likely dates back to the 16th century, the Chapel of the Lord underwent significant interior redecoration in the 18th century, a period that conferred much of its Baroque character upon it. On the exterior, the main facade stands out with its simple gable, adorned at the corners by pinnacles. A distinctive feature is the bell tower, positioned laterally on the roof, which displays an unusual granite sundial, marking the passage of time in a traditional manner.

Treasures Within

Upon entering the Chapel of the Lord, the exterior simplicity gives way to an interior of remarkable artistic and decorative richness. The ceiling of the main nave is one of its highlights, featuring twenty-nine coffered panels with gilded frames, each containing paintings illustrating Old Testament biblical motifs. Further inside, the transition to the chancel is marked by two polychrome altarpieces, arranged at an angle. The chancel walls are covered with 17th and 18th-century tiles, and at the back, a polychrome altarpiece completes the ensemble. A significant discovery during restoration work in 2003 revealed, behind the main altarpiece, mural paintings dated 1588, depicting Saint Francis of the Stigmata and Saint Christopher, testifying to the historical and artistic depth of this place.

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