Aldeias Históricas de Portugal

Villages

Holy Spirit Chapel

Idanha-a-Velha

Idanha-a-Velha

This shrine occupies a prominent place in the homonymous square, with a contemporary reorganisation, but designed according to the previous traditional configuration. The local festivities take place here, mainly the annual feast of the parish's patroness: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The chapel has a single nave and chancel. On the façade, a scallop and a dove atop a cup sit above the portal. Inside, a pointed triumphal arch attests to its medieval origins. However, the current layout dates to the 17th century. The seated image of the patron saint and a pulpit are noteworthy details of the chapel’s interior, in line with its 17th century renovation. Below, a depiction of a bullring attests to local bullfighting traditions, which consisted of bullfighting with a broad pole.