House and Chapel of Our Lady of the Conception

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Armamar > Armamar

Location

Situated in the picturesque village of Armamar, in the heart of the municipality of the same name, the House and Chapel of Our Lady of Conception is connected to an old manor house. Its discreet, yet notable, presence blends into the characteristic environment of this Douro village, bearing witness to local history.

A Family Heritage

This architectural complex, which includes the house and its chapel, dates back to a period of great importance for the region. The chapel was once part of a noble residence, identified by the presence of an elegant coat of arms of the Cardoso family, with connections to the Counts of Armamar. It served as a private place of worship for this lineage, having been administered, among others, by the judge Gaspar Cardoso de Carvalho. Its family relevance is also underscored by the fact that Ana Maria de Araújo, widow of the aforementioned administrator, chose to be buried here in November 1646, making the space a testament to the memory and faith of its former owners.

Art and Architecture Details

The Chapel of Our Lady of Conception stands out for its richly ornamented main façade. One can observe its pilastered quoining, a frieze and cornice topping the structure, and elaborate decoration on the main portal and large window, with cushioned and carved moldings, adorned with vegetal elements. At the top, an imposing coat of arms evokes the history of its founder.

Inside, the chapel houses a convex-shaped high choir, with a polychrome carved balustrade guardrail that is replicated in the tribune, which connected the chapel to the main residence. The pulpit and a side window contribute to the composition of the space. A beautiful 17th-century tile panel stands out, illustrating the artistic mastery of the period. The main altarpiece, of significant dimensions, exhibits characteristics of late Baroque, with its convex plan and decorative elements including estípites and a broken pediment, creating an environment of remarkable artistic and spiritual beauty.

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