Chapel of Our Lady of Lapa

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Viseu > Sernancelhe > Quintela > Lapa

Location

The Chapel of Our Lady of Lapa stands in the Lapa area, in the locality of Quintela, part of the municipality of Sernancelhe. This sacred site is situated on a rocky plateau, nestled within the eponymous mountain range, offering a privileged perspective of the natural surroundings. The atmosphere is one of tranquility and invites contemplation, with the chapel harmoniously integrated into the landscape. In the immediate vicinity, it is possible to discover the Fountain of the Clerics (Fonte dos Clérigos), a historical element that complements the visit.

The slightly uneven topography of the terrain gives the space a picturesque character. At various points around the perimeter, there are viewpoints marked by roofed crosses (cruzeiros alpendrados), which offer wide views of the surrounding valleys, inviting moments of pause and observation of the landscape.

Tradition and Origin

The history of the Chapel of Our Lady of Lapa is intrinsically linked to a local tradition dating back to the 15th century. According to legend, the original image of Our Lady of Lapa was found by a shepherdess named Joana, hidden among the rocks that form the "lapa", a natural cavity in the rock. This discovery, which occurred around 1498, marked the beginning of the devotion to Our Lady of Lapa, which has since attracted pilgrims and devotees.

The uniqueness of the chapel's main altar being erected exactly where the image was discovered, and of preserving the original rock that gave it its name in the chancel, gives this space a profound meaning. It is a testament to the popular devotion that has deeply rooted itself in the region over the centuries.

Architecture and Interior

The current construction of the Chapel of Our Lady of Lapa dates essentially from the 17th century, built by the Society of Jesus, which played a crucial role in promoting and expanding Marian devotion in this location. The building has an irregular plan, with the church connected to an old Jesuit residence by a walkway, now adapted to support visitors.

Upon entering, one discovers a remarkable interior. The nave walls are covered with polychrome tiles in shades of blue and yellow, while the ceiling is made of trough-shaped wood. The various altars of polychrome late-Baroque carving, dedicated to the Crucifixion and the Death of Saint Joseph, are points of interest. The presence of a nativity scene inserted into the rocky outcrop and protected by glass doors is a singular work of art. The wooden choir loft and the pulpit are other elements that enrich the architectural environment. In the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, lies the tomb of Pedro Soveral, who founded this space in the 16th century, with an epitaph carved in stone.

Legacy and Symbolism

The Chapel of Our Lady of Lapa transcends its religious function, being a landmark of great historical and cultural value for Portugal. Since 1951, it has been classified as a Property of Public Interest (Imóvel de Interesse Público), in recognition of its patrimonial importance. Throughout the centuries, kings and queens, as well as anonymous devotees, offered treasures and ex-votos, some of which can be visited in the Monographic Museum of Ex-Votos of Lapa, an annexed space that documents the faith and gratitude expressed over time.

This sanctuary was, at one time, one of the most important pilgrimage centers in the Iberian Peninsula, alongside the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Its influence extended beyond Portugal's borders, contributing to the spread of devotion to Our Lady of Lapa in various parts of the world, namely in Brazil and other former Portuguese colonies. On August 15th, the feast in honor of Our Lady of Lapa continues to gather thousands of people, keeping alive a secular tradition of devotion.

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