Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Moimenta da Beira > Soutosa
The Chapel of Our Lord of Affliction is located in the village of Soutosa, in the municipality of Moimenta da Beira. It stands at a point that once marked a crossroads, delimiting the old parishes of Soutosa and São Martinho. This place offers an atmosphere of rural serenity, a peaceful plateau that invites calm and contemplation, ideal for those seeking a moment of rest in the countryside.
The history of the Chapel of Our Lord of Affliction is intrinsically linked to popular devotion. Its construction probably dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century, and is the result of stories of faith and gratitude. One local legend tells that the chapel arose from a promise: an inhabitant of the region, in a moment of distress, invoked the Lord, and, after seeing his prayer answered, had a hermitage built on the site, which later gave way to the current chapel. Inside, one can observe ex-votos, painted panels that testify to the graces granted and the faith of the devotees throughout the centuries, depicting miracles that ranged from health recovery to requests for protection for property and livestock.
Built of worked stone, the Chapel of Our Lord of Affliction stands out for its simplicity and harmony with the surrounding landscape. This small temple, carefully maintained, reflects a rural and devotional architecture. The facade features small openings, known as "olhais," which allow a glimpse into its interior, inviting curiosity even when the doors are closed. The space around the chapel, a shaded plain, provides a peaceful spot for a break, where one can feel the quietness of the countryside and the atmosphere of a place with a long tradition.
In addition to its religious function, the Chapel of Our Lord of Affliction holds significant cultural value, being linked to the history and identity of the region. It is a place that time and tradition have preserved, maintaining its importance as a community gathering point and a pilgrimage site. The chapel and its surroundings even served as inspiration for the writer Aquilino Ribeiro, born in Soutosa, who frequently incorporated into his works the landscapes and experiences of the Douro, including the presence of hermitages and the popular faith they represent. A visit to this location thus allows for contact with local history and with the spirit of a community that has remained faithful to its roots.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.8894061,-7.6738677
Coordinates DMS: 40°53'21.9"N 07°40'25.9"W
Weather Soutosa
On-duty Pharmacy Soutosa
