Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Penedono > Antas e Ourozinho
Situated in the tranquil locality of Antas e Ourozinho, in the municipality of Penedono, district of Viseu, the Chapel of Our Lady of Carvalhais / Our Lady of the Head is set within a predominantly rural environment. This serene location offers a peaceful refuge in the heart of a landscape marked by nature. Its setting invites contemplation, with surroundings that suggest the presence of typical regional vegetation, namely oak trees (carvalhos), which possibly inspires one of its invocations.
The chapel is a landmark for the local community, harmoniously integrated into the Beira landscape, where time seems to pass at a slower pace. Its presence serves as a point of reference for both inhabitants and those seeking the authenticity of the less explored corners of inland Portugal, enjoying the quietness of its surroundings.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Carvalhais / Our Lady of the Head represents an important center of devotion and a link to the most genuine traditions of the Penedono region. Dedicated to Our Lady, its dual invocation suggests a rich history of faith and the population's attachment to different aspects or manifestations of the Virgin Mary, which have been consolidated over time. It is a place that reflects the deep religiosity of Portuguese rural communities.
Over the years, this sacred space has played a central role in the cultural and spiritual life of Antas and Ourozinho. Its existence is intrinsically linked to the stories and experiences of its inhabitants, preserving the memories of generations who gathered there in moments of faith, celebration, or in search of spiritual comfort, making it an intangible heritage of great value for the municipality.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Carvalhais / Our Lady of the Head stands out for its architecture, which favors simplicity and functionality, common characteristics of small religious buildings in the interior of Portugal. Built with locally available materials, particularly stone, its structure reflects sobriety and durability, blending naturally into the surrounding landscape.
Although modest, the chapel possesses the essential elements of a temple dedicated to worship. Its exterior features clean lines, which may include a small bell-gable or a belfry, highlighting its function. The interior, in turn, is a welcoming and reverent space that invites introspection and prayer, with the altar as the focal point of devotion.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.9177039,-7.3827899
Coordinates DMS: 40°55'3.7"N 07°22'58.0"W
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