Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Castro Daire > Parada de Ester e Ester > Laboncinho
The Laboncinho Chapel is situated in the heart of the Viseu region, more precisely in the municipality of Castro Daire, nestled in the picturesque parish of Parada de Ester e Ester, in the small and serene hamlet of Laboncinho.
Its geographical setting is characteristic of the Beira interior, offering an atmosphere of tranquillity and rurality, where the architecture blends harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape. It is a place that invites calm and contemplation, far from the hustle and bustle of urban centres, allowing visitors to appreciate the quietness of the environment.
As an example of popular Portuguese religious architecture, the Laboncinho Chapel displays a simplicity that is, in itself, its greatest beauty. Although specific details may vary, it is common to find in these rural buildings a robust construction of local stone, adapted to the region's climate and materials, reflecting the ingenuity and resources available in the past.
Its design is typically unadorned, focused on devotional functionality, but not infrequently enriched by a simple portal or a modest bell tower that rises above the roof, marking its presence in the hamlet. The interior, though of contained dimensions, is a space of recollection, where natural light can create an atmosphere of serenity and introspection for those who visit.
The Laboncinho Chapel represents more than just a building; it is a landmark for the community of Laboncinho and its surroundings, a place of faith and gathering. These small rural chapels are repositories of memories and traditions, playing a vital role in the social and spiritual life of the people who live or have roots in this place.
It symbolises the popular devotion and resilience of the communities that, over the centuries, have built and maintained these sacred spaces, preserving the intangible heritage and local identity through its discreet yet striking presence in the rural landscape of Castro Daire.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.9551601,-8.0595107
Coordinates DMS: 40°57'18.6"N 08°03'34.2"W