Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Lamego > Lamego > Almacave
Situated in the Almacave area, in the city of Lamego, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança stands on a slightly elevated site. Its position, with a small churchyard preceding it and access by a few steps, allows for a tranquil observation of its structure, discreetly yet prominently integrated into the urban fabric of this part of Lamego.
The history of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança began in 1586, initiated by Father Francisco Gonçalves, as attested by a plaque on its facade. Over the following centuries, from the 17th to the 19th, the building underwent various alterations and additions that shaped its current configuration. This process resulted in a fusion of styles that testifies to the architectural and artistic evolution over time. The recognition of its historical and cultural value culminated in its classification as a Property of Public Interest in 1970.
The chapel features architecture that combines the simplicity of Renaissance elements with the decorative richness of Baroque. The exterior is marked by the white color of its facades, punctuated by pilastered quoining that rises to pinnacles and cornices. The main facade, oriented southwest, stands out with its porch, an element added later than its foundation, supported by columns. The entrance portal, a perfect arch, is flanked by windows and topped by a gable with a cross at the apex. On the left side, a bell tower protrudes, while a small belfry is visible on the right side.
Upon entering the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, a universe of artistic details is revealed. The interior is dominated by the expressiveness of gilded carving, abundantly present in the main altarpiece, in the national Baroque style, and in the side altarpieces, which display central tribunes with Solomonic columns. The ceiling of the nave and the chancel is notable for its paneled and polychromed coffers, depicting images of saints, lending a particular atmosphere to the space. The walls are enriched with 17th-century tiles, exhibiting patterns such as the 'maçaroca' type and interlace. Among the sculptural pieces, noteworthy are an image of Nossa Senhora da Esperança (Our Lady of Hope), made of Ançã stone, dated to the 16th century, and an image of Senhor da Cana Verde (Lord of the Green Cane), also known as Ecce Homo, a 17th-century polychromed wood sculpture.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.1023013,-7.8077168
Coordinates DMS: 41°06'8.3"N 07°48'27.8"W
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