Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Viseu > Mangualde > Pedreles
The Chapel of Senhora Da Graça is located in an isolated position, halfway up a hillside, in the village of Pedreles, municipality of Mangualde. From this point, it is possible to appreciate a vast panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, imbuing the place with a serene and contemplative atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle.
Its location, slightly set apart from the inhabited center, allows for an experience of tranquility, ideal for those seeking a moment of introspection or simply enjoying unobstructed views of the surrounding nature.
Currently known as the Chapel of Senhora Da Graça, this hermitage was referred to in the 18th century as the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora do Alqueve. The term "Alqueve" refers to the idea of "fallow land," although this toponymy does not reveal further details about the site's deeper origins.
Although historical sources do not provide an exact date for its construction, the architectural style suggests an ancient chronology, possibly from the 16th century. There are popular accounts indicating that the image of Nossa Senhora da Graça, which once belonged to this chapel, is now in the possession of a nearby manor house.
Currently in ruins, the chapel preserves traces of its original construction, revealing a simple, slightly rectangular plan of small dimensions. Its structure rests essentially on granite ashlar blocks, well-worked on the main facade and with a more rustic finish on the side and back walls.
On the main facade, a portal with a perfect round arch and chamfered edges stands out, flanked by a small window with the same chamfers. Inside, it is evident that the roof would have been a gabled roof. On the north wall, a narrow opening, similar to a loophole, can be observed, which would have served to illuminate the altar area. The altar structure, also made of granite, has collapsed but was visibly set on a platform higher than the nave floor, which appears to be made of granite slabs.
The architectural ensemble of the Chapel of Senhora Da Graça, even in its ruined state, conveys a sense of solidity and austerity. The visibility of the original stone, the robust construction, and the limited light entry into its interior give it an appearance that some describe as a "fortress of God."
The presence of the perfect round arch and the temple's strict eastward orientation evoke characteristics of the Romanesque style, although details such as the chamfering of the portal's edges might suggest a later intervention, already in the 16th century. This combination of elements gives the chapel a particular interest for those who pause to observe its history etched in stone.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.6038338,-7.8156446
Coordinates DMS: 40°36'13.8"N 07°48'56.3"W
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