Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viseu > Mangualde > Tragos

Location

Situated in the picturesque locality of Tragos, in the municipality of Mangualde, the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene is located in an isolated square, lending it an atmosphere of tranquility and recollection. Its position offers a point of contemplation over the surrounding area, with the old cemetery nearby evoking the passage of time.

History and Foundation

The Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene, a historically significant landmark in Tragos, was built in the year 1629. Its construction reflects the devotion and importance of faith in the lives of the local community over the centuries, establishing itself as a central element in the heritage of the Mangualde region.

Architecture and Characteristics

The chapel displays religious architecture in the Mannerist style, characterized by its longitudinal plan. On the exterior, the main facade stands out, featuring a portal with a round arch framed by pilasters, culminating in an entablature with geometric figures. The pediment is topped by a small single-arch belfry. The predominant materials are granite, plaster, and wood elements, which give it a robust and traditional aesthetic.

Inside, the single nave leads to a narrower and slightly lower chancel, separated by a round triumphal arch. The wooden beamed ceiling and the upper choir, with its wooden balustrade and access via a staircase, invite careful observation of the space's constructive details, reflecting the techniques and aesthetics of its period of construction.

Sacred Art and Interior Elements

The main altarpiece in the chancel is a central piece of the chapel. With its central tribune flanked by two lateral axes arranged in two tiers, the ensemble is adorned with spiraling columns and panels depicting various figures of saints. In particular, the life-sized image of Saint Mary Magdalene and the pictorial representations of the Crucifixion and Saint Andrew enrich the sacred space, inviting contemplation of the religious art preserved there.

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