Saint Margaret's Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Vila Real > Boticas > Beça > Torneiros

Location

The Chapel of Santa Margarida is located in the tranquil urbanization of Torneiros, part of the locality of Beça, within the municipality of Boticas. It is situated in an inviting square at the entrance to the village, slightly below street level, and next to the local cemetery. Its position offers an atmosphere of serenity, characteristic of Trás-os-Montes villages, inviting a moment of quietude and observation.

Origins and Historical Legacy

Built in the 18th century, the Chapel of Santa Margarida is a testament to the Baroque religious architecture of the region. There are indications pointing to its construction in the year 1763, a date that, according to oral tradition, was inscribed on its main facade. Recognized for its heritage value, the chapel is classified as a Property of Municipal Interest, underscoring its importance to the cultural and historical legacy of the community.

Architecture and Exterior Appearance

The chapel features a granite construction, with a rectangular plan that defines a single body, where the nave and chancel join externally. The main facade is distinguished by its simple rectangular portal, flanked by two narrow horizontal openings. Above the portal, a small oculus ornamented with a circular torus and an eight-pointed rosette adds a particular detail.

At the top of the gable, an elegant bell tower with a single window, decorated with "S"-shaped volutes, is crowned by a cross and two lateral pinnacles, giving it a charming silhouette. The wear and rust coloration visible in the central area of the facade, caused by the bell rope, tell the story of its continuous use over the centuries. At the corners of the chapel, four pilasters topped by pinnacles define its robust structure.

The Interior Environment

Upon entering the chapel, the space, although with more recent elements, maintains its devotional function. The interior walls are lined with blue and white tiles up to half-height, complemented by white painted cement on the upper part, and a varnished wooden ceiling. The flooring is ceramic mosaic that imitates polished granite.

One of the points of greatest interest inside is the gilded altarpiece, which houses religious imagery, with a special focus on female devotions. On the granite floor of the chapel, it is possible to observe the tombstones of seven graves, divided by guides, an element that refers us to the history and lives linked to this place of worship through the ages.

Community Soul and Festivity

The Chapel of Santa Margarida is the religious heart of the Torneiros community. Besides being a place of regular prayer, it is the setting for the Feast of Santa Margarida, the village's patron saint. This annual festivity is a moment of great celebration and unity, where the chapel becomes the center of attention, highlighting the deep connection between the temple and the local traditions that persist through generations.

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