Cercosa Funeral Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Mortágua > Cercosa > Carvalhais

Location:

The Mortuary Chapel of Cercosa stands in the Carvalhais area, at the entrance to the small locality of Cercosa, in the municipality of Mortágua. Located within a walled enclosure that borders the local cemetery, it is oriented facing the main road, benefiting from easy visibility next to Avenida Marco da Eira.

The building appears in a transitional setting between agricultural areas and pine forests, offering visitors a tranquil environment, with the murmur of the trees and the gentle whisper of the wind as a soundscape.

Origin and Function

Dating from 1883, as indicated by the inscription “1883 I AWAIT YOU HERE” adorning the gate's bars, the chapel was designed to host funeral ceremonies and pay a final tribute to the deceased before their burial.

With a simple and reduced floor plan, adhering to the vernacular typology of 19th-century mortuary chapels in rural areas of Portugal, it retains its original purpose as a place of contemplation and community memory.

Aesthetics and Atmosphere

Built of sober-lined masonry, the main volume features a gabled roof clad in reddish ceramic tiles, contrasting with the white finish of the walls. The wrought-iron portal, topped by a metal cross, adds a decorative detail of discreet but significant character.

Inside, the reduced space invites introspection, with lighting filtered by small side windows and the iron gate protecting the entrance. The constructive simplicity reinforces the solemn and serene character of the place.

Surrounding Landscape

The natural surroundings, composed of cork oaks and pine trees, provide a verdant setting for the chapel, creating visual impacts that change with the seasons. In autumn, the foliage acquires softer tones, while in spring, the vegetation displays a vibrant green.

For those who appreciate the harmony between vernacular architecture and rural landscape, the combination of white walls, open sky, and surrounding vegetation offers a point of photographic interest and contact with the countryside environment.

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