Chapel of Saint Anthony

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Vila Real > Vila Pouca de Aguiar > Alvão > Reguengo

Location

The Chapel of Santo António is located in the Reguengo urbanization, part of the locality of Alvão, belonging to the municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar. It is situated in a rural area, elevated on a slope of the Serra da Padrela, standing out in the surrounding landscape. Its walled churchyard offers a wide perspective over the fields and meadows that characterize this area.

Architecture and Time

This Baroque chapel, probably dating from the 18th century, features a unique rectangular plan construction, with nave and chancel united in a single volume. The main facade, facing south, is marked by a truncated gable that rises to a simple bell tower. The straight lintel portal, flanked by pilasters, houses a niche with the image of Saint Anthony, inviting contemplation. Over the centuries, the building has undergone renovations, particularly in the 20th century, which sought to preserve its essence without altering the original robustness of its granite and masonry structure.

The Interior Details

Inside, the single space is divided by a gentle triumphal arch, which delimits the nave from the chancel. The white walls contrast with the tiled floor in the nave and the wooden floor in the chancel, giving the whole a welcoming atmosphere. One of the most notable elements is the tile wainscoting in shades of blue and yellow, which adds color and pattern to the nave. The barrel-vaulted ceilings, made of blue-painted wood, and the side altars with gilded carved altarpieces on a white background, reveal the care and decorative richness. In the chancel, the ceiling features painted motifs with garlands and a central medallion, while the high altar, of polychrome carving, emphasizes the importance of this sacred space.

The Landscape and Environment

The Chapel of Santo António benefits from a typically rural setting in the Serra da Padrela. Its prominent position on the hillside offers unobstructed views of the agricultural lands and the natural beauty of the region. The spacious, paved churchyard with a front gate is an invitation to contemplation and rest. Its isolated yet accessible location, integrated into a landscape of vernacular and traditional characteristics, provides an experience of tranquility and connection with the mountain environment, far from the daily hustle and bustle.

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