Capela do Monte
Capela do Monte is a recent project by Pritzker-winning architect Alvaro Siza Vieira. It represents a contemporary minimalist chapel that sits in the beautiful Algarvian countryside and designed to function entirely without water or electricity.
The building was inaugurated in March 2018 and it’s truly stunning in it’s simplicity, strong lines and textures. In the construction of the chapel the emphasis was made on using natural materials, such as limestone coating, in order for the building to heat and cool itself passively. Upon entering the chapel, visitors will see several tile murals that are based on sketches made by the architect, and which depict different scenes from Jesus' life. Capela was built to be the focal point of the future Monte da Charneca Center – a rural retreat which is scheduled for completion in 2021. The existing part of the original village is already self-sufficient, with it’s own water and power supply, and the future master plan of the center will have a primary focus on eco-tourism and sustainability.
