The Digital Ark: Early Modern Collections of Curiosities in England and Scotland, 1580-1700
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lapa
Trás-os-Montes (Region), Portugal
View Larger MapDescription of institution: The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lapa and Residence of the Society of Jesus is a Christian sanctuary in the civil parish of Quintela, municipality of Sernancelhe of northern Portugal. The historical residence of the Society of Jesus, this site was transformed to support pilgrims to the site, and is marked by a chapel delineated by Corinthian columns, supporting plinths surmounted by simple frieze and cornice. The interior was decorated in azulejo tile of polychromatic vegetal design, with triumphal arch dividing the sanctuary from the college, identifiable by the large granite rock in its interior, where legend says the image of the Virgin Mary was first discovered. In this space is the oratory of Senhora das Dores ('Our Lady of Sorrows') with its nativity by António Ferreira (particularly visible in the juxtaposition of various representations). In the junction between presbytery and sacristy is the double-arched belfry. Also remarkable and unique for this site, and other buildings owned by the Society of Jesus, is the walkway that connects the residences of the complex with the church.
From the architects of the sanctuary, the property had 126 palmos, which was equal to 22 centimetres (8.7 in) length by 40 wide by five palmos in height. In the north wing, there were four cells with windows to the cloister, 18 palmos squared, that included space for a bed, bunk for study, oratory and armoire, with dividing walls three palmos thick. There were also cells in the southern wing, opening onto the courtyard. In the west, the cubicles of hall of study, armoires for clothing, latrines and in the extreme end the library. On the opposite wall, a staircase connected to the lower floors, where the chapel, rooms, lavatories, rectory, kitchen and toilets.
The main floor, with vaulted ceiling and wood floors. In the north were 12 merchant tents, rented for 10$000 reis. At the end were the stores for bread, legumes, olive oil, wine and other basics. Taking advantage of the slope, a basement was constructed to be used as stables, hay loft, hot house, woodshed, chicken coop and sanitary holding tanks. In the cloister were planted apple trees, plum trees, roses and carnations. URL:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctuary_of_Our_Lady_of_Lapa