Largo de Santa Cruz, in Braga
The Coimbra Chapel is located in Largo de São João do Souto, parish of São João do Souto, municipality of Braga, city of Braga, northern Portugal.
Construction
In 1525, D. João de Coimbra decided to build a private chapel under the invocation of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which would become known as Capela dos Coimbras.
This Chapel was designed by the Biscainho master builders of the Palácio dos Biscainhos.
The chapel attached to the Church of São João do Souto even had the hermitage of Santo António dos Esquecidos attached.
In the mid-16th century, the Chapel was built by D. João de Coimbra (1525-1528), which must have been part of the original Church of São João do Souto as one of the side chapels, and in 1530 a morgado was established to support the cult.
Structure, floor and ceiling in granite with ceramic tile cover, wooden frames and stained glass windows on the upper floor with sculptures in ançã stone.
The construction of the sculptures is due to Hodart (exterior sculptures) and the main altarpiece and sculpture of the tomb were attributed to João de Ruão.
This Chapel was designed by the Biscainho master builders of the Palácio dos Biscainhos.
The chapel attached to the Church of São João do Souto even had the hermitage of Santo António dos Esquecidos attached.
In the mid-16th century, the Chapel was built by D. João de Coimbra (1525-1528), which must have been part of the original Church of São João do Souto as one of the side chapels, and in 1530 a morgado was established to support the cult.
Structure, floor and ceiling in granite with ceramic tile cover, wooden frames and stained glass windows on the upper floor with sculptures in ançã stone.
The construction of the sculptures is due to Hodart (exterior sculptures) and the main altarpiece and sculpture of the tomb were attributed to João de Ruão.
Renovation
In 1936 the roof was reconstructed and the walls were blocked.
Facade
The chapel is covered by a ribbed vault, and the walls have tiled images alluding to Genesis.
Quadrangular tower facade
The chapel has the shape of a quadrangular tower divided into two distinct spaces: galilee, with Manueline ornaments and statuary designed by Hodart.
The chapel is in the Renaissance style with a square plan with a tower facade, probably the work of one of the Castilhos, and the exterior sculptures are attributed to Hodart.
Quadrangular stone tower with a 4-pitched roof preceded by a galilee supported by elegant columns, windows with baroque coverings containing the coat of arms of Coimbra, and an ogival portal emblazoned with a large window.
In the tower's ashlar, corbelled sculptures with canopies stand out.
The chapel is in the Renaissance style with a square plan with a tower facade, probably the work of one of the Castilhos, and the exterior sculptures are attributed to Hodart.
Quadrangular stone tower with a 4-pitched roof preceded by a galilee supported by elegant columns, windows with baroque coverings containing the coat of arms of Coimbra, and an ogival portal emblazoned with a large window.
In the tower's ashlar, corbelled sculptures with canopies stand out.
Interior
Interior with ribbed vault covering with finials and in the center the Lencastre family coat of arms.
Main altar and weapons of D. João de Coimbra
The interior part is designed by João de Ruão and has the traditional main altar and the coat of arms of D. João de Coimbra.
The sculpture of the deposition in the tomb is also attributed to João de Ruão, but from a later period.
Main altar with good sculptures in niches framed by smaller figures on corbels with canopies.
A full round arch with tracery and the arms of the founder houses the "deposition of the tomb".
The walls are covered with figured tiles alluding to the creation of the world and the floor has tombstones.
The sculpture of the deposition in the tomb is also attributed to João de Ruão, but from a later period.
Main altar with good sculptures in niches framed by smaller figures on corbels with canopies.
A full round arch with tracery and the arms of the founder houses the "deposition of the tomb".
The walls are covered with figured tiles alluding to the creation of the world and the floor has tombstones.
Classification
The Coimbras Chapel was classified as a National Monument in 1910.
