Is this the Sistine Chapel? Not quite. But the Capela de Teixeira has earned a nickname. Some call it the Sistine Chapel of the Douro Superior. Let’s explore this artistic treasure.
The Capela de Teixeira stands covered in biblical scenes. Frescoes adorn nearly every surface. They stretch from the chancel to the porch. They cover the nave. We don’t know who painted them. We also don’t know what inspired them.
Many believe Jordão Espiríto Santo was the first hermit of the Capela de Teixeira. The municipality of Moncorvo owned the temple. They were responsible for naming a hermit. This hermit would supervise the chapel. Researchers thought Jordão was that hermit. This was based on an inscription. It mentioned IANO ESTE HE PRIMEIRO IRMITAO. IANO was linked to Jordão.
However, archaeologist Ernesto Albino Vaz questions this. He says IANO could not be Jordão. João is a more likely possibility. He also suggests Jordão Espiríto Santo lived in a different Teixeira. This Teixeira is in Baião. That Teixeira also has a Capela de Teixeira. The existence of a friar Jordão in another Teixeira may explain the confusion.
Oral tradition says Jordão traveled to Rome seven times. He sought inspiration from the Sistine Chapel. Some say he only went twice. This may be legend. The frescoes in the Capela de Teixeira show Italian influence. This was common at the time.
Legend says the hermit was buried kneeling. Later someone changed his position to standing. There is no confirmation of this. The archaeologist says this never happened. The tomb in the chapel belongs to the eighth hermit. It is not the first.
The current Capela de Teixeira likely dates to the late 16th century. But an earlier chapel may have existed. It may have been part of the parish of Saio. Residents fled Saio due to plague. They moved to this area. The chapel’s design suggests this. Some walls hint at nearby houses.
Now let’s focus on the frescoes. They are on the porch. They are in the nave. They fill the chapel. The artwork is a good reason to visit the Capela de Teixeira. Biblical episodes are depicted. Saints are displayed. The best part is at the entrance.
A dividing line separates heaven from hell. This is like the Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. It is a point of comparison between the two temples.
Inside is a sculpture of Our Lady of Pleasures. Other frescoes depict various themes. Some scenes are from the New Testament. One is an image of the Last Supper. There are also images of monks. Angels frame God Eternal. The skill level varies. The artist of the Last Judgment may have been different.
The good news is the frescoes were recently restored. They look beautiful. Perhaps they have never looked better. The Capela de Teixeira is waiting. It’s time to step inside.