Chapel of Our Lady of the Mountain Range

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Lamego > Lamego > Almacave

Location

Situated in the Almacave area, in the city of Lamego, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Serra is located at an urban point that offers an interesting view of its surroundings. The ground where it was erected is slightly uneven, and the chapel stands out, isolated, with its elevated forecourt. Access is facilitated by a few steps leading to the entrance, with the site being close to public roads, at the northern end of the city, on Cerdeiral and Seara streets.

Brief History

The history of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Serra dates back to 1586, the year its construction was ordered by Father Francisco Gonçalves. Throughout the 17th century, the building was enriched with a remarkable decorative ensemble. Later, in the early 18th century, artists from Lamego were responsible for the carving of the altars and the triumphal arch, adding layers of artistic beauty to its original structure. It is a building with a long history of devotion and artistic expression.

Traces of Baroque Architecture

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Serra exhibits the characteristics of the Baroque style, with a rectangular plan that includes a welcoming porch, a single nave, and a more secluded chancel. The main facade is marked by a gable and a round-arched portal, flanked by windows that allow light to enter. On the lateral elevations, the pilastered quoins with pinnacles and a cornice give it a distinctive silhouette. The chapel also features a sacristy and a bell tower, which complement its structure.

The Artistic Interior

Upon entering the chapel, attention is drawn to the rich decoration. The ceilings, in a depressed barrel vault, are ornamented with polychrome coffered panels, some with representations of saints. At the main altar, an ancient and singular image of Nossa Senhora stands out, a polychrome sculpture in Ançã stone, dated between the 15th and 16th centuries. Furthermore, one can admire a sculpture of Senhor da Cana Verde, or Ecce Homo, a valuable piece in polychrome and gilded wood from the 17th century. The walls of the nave and the chancel are covered with beautiful 17th-century tiles, which feature distinct patterns such as "maçaroca" and "laçaria", giving the space an atmosphere of great artistic and cultural value.

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