Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Vouzela > Carvalhal de Vermilhas > Chã
The Chapel of Our Lady of Monserrate is nestled in the picturesque village of Chã, which is part of the parish of Carvalhal de Vermilhas, in the municipality of Vouzela, district of Viseu. Situated in an environment that evokes the serenity of rural Portugal, the chapel benefits from peaceful natural surroundings, characteristic of the region, where the landscape is shaped by green fields and traditional houses.
This place of worship stands in a position that allows for a harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape and the paths that wind through this area of Beira Alta, offering a haven of peace to its visitors and the local community.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Monserrate is a testament to the deep faith and devotion rooted in Portuguese rural communities over the centuries. Although specific records about its founding may be modest, its existence points to a tradition of Marian devotion that has been passed down from generation to generation in this region.
It is a space that, by its very nature, is associated with moments of prayer, pilgrimages, and annual celebrations, serving as a meeting point and a spiritual connection for the inhabitants of Carvalhal de Vermilhas and its surroundings, keeping alive the memory and belief in Our Lady of Monserrate.
Typically, chapels in a rural context, like that of Our Lady of Monserrate, feature an architecture of simple and unadorned lines, reflecting functionality and devotion. Its design may incorporate elements characteristic of the vernacular construction of the Beira region, such as the predominant use of local stone, often combined with whitewashed plaster.
The façade may display a modest entrance door, topped by an oculus or a small window that allows natural light to enter. It is common to find a simple, sometimes triangular, bell gable housing one or more bells, essential elements for announcing religious celebrations to the dispersed community.
To visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Monserrate is to immerse oneself in an atmosphere of remarkable quietude and contemplation. The silence that envelops the site is broken only by the sounds of nature, inviting a moment of introspection and admiration for the resilience of the local heritage.
This space, though modest in its dimensions, holds intrinsic value as a guardian of its community's identity and traditions, representing a living link to the past and the popular religiosity that has shaped and continues to shape life in this tranquil area of the Vouzela municipality.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.6431132,-8.1631479
Coordinates DMS: 40°38'35.2"N 08°09'47.3"W
Weather Carvalhal de Vermilhas
On-duty Pharmacy Carvalhal de Vermilhas
