Coimbras Chapel - Architecture

Architecture

The chapel is located in an urban environment within the historic centre of Braga, alongside the Church of São João do Souto, in the civil parish of the same name. It is situated along a road, whose posterior façade faces the Palace of Coimbras, across from the Casa do Passadiço, southeast from the Church of Santa Cruz and Hospital of São Marcos.

It consists of a rectangular tower, covered in ceiling tile, preceded by an enclosed porch supported by elegant Baroque columns with coat-of-arms of the Coimbras family. After the porch is a Romanesque-inspired rounded wooden-door, circled by carved flourishments, while the tower is highlighted by a semi-circular tower window and corbels with baldachins.

The interior ceiling is covered with a ribbed vault and golden rosettes, centred on the arms of House of Lancaster. The high altar is covered in sculptures, located within niches on corbels with awnings. A rounded arch, with the arms of the founder, protect access to the main tomb. The walls are decorated in azulejo tile with figures from the creation of the world, while the pavement is covered in tomb slabs.

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