Imagine a time long ago when the Capela de Lumbrales was part of a grand estate. The estate belonged to the Quinta da Pena in Campo Alegre. This was in the 18th century. The Capela de Lumbrales has seen many changes over the years.
Today we stand before the Capela de Lumbrales. It is a beautiful example of religious architecture. The building’s white walls contrast with the granite details. Notice the pilasters that frame the facade. These are just some of the features that make the Capela de Lumbrales special.
Originally the Capela de Lumbrales was on the Quinta da Pena estate. John Glos Sandman owned the estate in 1860. By 1926 the chapel was in ruins and abandoned. It belonged to an English family then. It had been a wood store and even a pigsty.
Later the Porto City Council bought the Capela de Lumbrales. In 1949 they approved its reconstruction. The plan was to move it to the Quinta do Palacete gardens on Rua de Belém. This would serve the residents of the Costa Cabral housing estate. Also it would serve the girls at the boarding school.
The reconstructed Capela de Lumbrales opened in 1950. This was the first project of its kind by the City Council. The chapel still needed a new altarpiece. The City Council named the girls’ boarding school after the Countess of Lumbrales.
The Capela de Lumbrales has a rectangular shape. It has a nave a chancel and a sacristy. The facade features a main door and a balcony window. The window has an iron guard. The building is mainly white with exposed granite elements. These include the base pilasters cornices and pinnacles.
Inside the Capela de Lumbrales the walls are white. The floor is made of stone slabs. The ceiling is vaulted. Granite corbels support the vault. These are between the lateral windows. The balcony window above the door has no access.
On the left is a polychrome and gilded pulpit. It sits on a stone corbel. The triumphal arch leads to the chancel. This arch rests on pilastered columns. An attic of worked stone tops the arch. The elevated chancel has a wooden floor. Two doors lead to the sacristy and the outside.
The main altarpiece is polychrome. It features white with gilded plant decorations. Columns with fluted shafts define the center. A niche holds an image. Above is an attic decorated with volutes and plant motifs. The altar is like a chest. Its front is decorated with plant designs.
The Capela de Lumbrales sits on the grounds of the former Quinta do Palacete. This is now the Instituto Municipal Condessa de Lumbrales. The institute has agricultural land and gardens. There are lakes artificial grottoes and dense vegetation. The gardens reflect a romantic style. A low wall topped with iron railings encloses the Capela de Lumbrales.
The Capela de Lumbrales stands as a testament to history and community. It has transformed from a ruined chapel to a cherished landmark. It connects the past with the present. As we leave take one last look. Remember the stories held within its walls.