La Peregrina Chapel

The Capela da Virxe Peregrina is a highly unusual building situated in the Praza de Peregrina (square of the pilgrim) in Pontevedra city centre.

This chapel is unique and distinctive and attracts the attention of everyone who sees it. It was built in 1778 and is positioned on the main pilgrim's route that leads to Santiago de Compostela from Portugal.

The chapel is a fusion of Baroque detailing with some neo classical design elements. What makes the structure unique and eye catching is not however its intricate detailing (although there is plenty of that), but its shape and form in plan. The chapel has a ground plan in the shape of the viera (scallop shell), the traditional and long lasting symbol of pilgrims and the pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela.

From the outside the chapel looks 'stocky' but it is also strangely narrow and appears to be almost circular. It has a symmetrical appearance with several small windows climbing vertically up its facade and two small towers at it head. The portico is elaborate and has an equally decorative drinking fountain in front of it with a stair either side that takes visitors up to the entrance level, about four feet above the main square.

Inside the Pilgrims chapel there is a neo classical alter that dates from 1789. Its main feature is an image of Pontevedra's patron saint, the virgin pilgrim. The inside of the chapel is extremely small and none but pilgrims entered it when we were there.

References:

• Galicia Guide

Address

Praza da Peregrina 21, Pontevedra, Spain

Details

Founded: 1778
Category: Religious sites in Spain