Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Viseu > Carregal do Sal > Oliveira do Conde > Carvalhais
The Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Carvalhais is located in the village of Carvalhais, which belongs to the parish of Oliveira do Conde, in the municipality of Carregal do Sal. It is situated halfway up a slope, within a rural setting noted for its landscape. This position gives it an isolated and peaceful atmosphere, inviting a serene appreciation of the place. A well-defined churchyard extends in front of its main façade, creating a welcoming space.
Next to the chapel, in the churchyard, one can find a granite fountain adorned with a gargoyle and a niche, topped by a cross. This traditionally designed element complements the historical and symbolic atmosphere of the ensemble.
The history of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Carvalhais delves into the depths of time, with local tradition pointing to its origins in the distant 11th century. However, the structure observed today was most likely built during the 18th century. In 1694, the commitment of the Confraternity linked to the chapel was already registered, highlighting its importance to the community. A significant moment in its chronology occurred in 1739, when King D. João V authorized that the income from the fair held in Carvalhais be directed towards the maintenance of religious worship in the temple.
In 1974, the image of the patron saint was transferred to the parish church, marking a change in its use. Later, in 1996, the heritage value of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Carvalhais was formally recognized, as it was classified as a Property of Municipal Interest, underscoring its historical and cultural relevance for the region.
The Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Carvalhais displays a Baroque architectural language, visible in its structure and decorative details. The longitudinal plan is composed of a nave and a chancel that share the same dimensions, to which a bell tower is articulated, set back. The roofs, distinct from each other, are gabled, lending dynamism to the building's volume.
The main façade, facing west, captivates the eye with its depressed arch portal, surmounted by a quadrilobed oculus. The gable is recessed, forming delicate lacework, and culminates in a curved tympanum and a cross. Inside, the single nave stands out for its high choir and a curved wooden ceiling. Old elements such as the base of a pulpit and a confessional can still be observed. The chancel and the nave body were once enriched by carved altars, and the surfaces of the ceiling and cornices featured paintings that simulated architectural elements, complementing the skirting board decoration. Natural lighting is provided by openings in the façades.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.4579862,-7.97985692
Coordinates DMS: 40°27'28.8"N 07°58'47.5"W
Weather Oliveira do Conde
On-duty Pharmacy Oliveira do Conde
