Saint Barbara Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > São João da Pesqueira > Ervedosa do Douro

Location

Situated in the municipality of São João da Pesqueira, in the parish of Ervedosa do Douro, the Chapel of Santa Bárbara is located in Lugar de Sarzedinho. Erected on the summit of a hill, at an altitude of approximately 360 meters, this chapel offers a privileged view over the surrounding landscape. The surrounding area, a simple dirt churchyard, is defined by small schist walls, naturally integrating it into the rural environment.

Architecture and Composition

The Chapel of Santa Bárbara features popular religious architecture, erected in the 20th century, specifically in 1977, a date inscribed on its façade. With a longitudinal format and a single interior space, its main façade stands out for its partial granite cladding, whose dark joints create an interesting contrast. At its center, a depressed arch portal, flanked by rectangular openings with a curved upper profile, invites entry. At the top, a luminous blue glass cross and granite pinnacles give a distinctive touch to the gable. The remaining façades, lateral and rear, maintain simplicity, plastered and painted white, as is the interior.

The Landscape Perspective

From the Chapel of Santa Bárbara, the landscape of the Alto Douro unfolds in all its vastness. The views encompass a mosaic of dispersed settlements, rolling hills, and extensive vineyards that shape the Douro slopes. It is a place that offers an opportunity to appreciate the serenity and grandeur of nature, characterized by its topography and the significant presence of viticulture that has shaped this region. The perspective offered by the altitude allows for a comprehensive reading of the landscape.

A Point of Devotion and Contemplation

The Chapel of Santa Bárbara maintains its original religious function, serving as a point of faith for the local community. Beyond its devotional importance, the site serves as a space for contemplation, where one can enjoy a tranquil environment and a deep connection with the Douro landscape. The simplicity of its construction and its isolated location invite introspection and observation of the vast horizon.

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