Look closely at the facade of the Capela de S\u00e3o Mateus de Arnelas. It is rather plain, but there is a story hidden within its stones. It is modest in scale, a testament to the resourcefulness of the people who built it. The Capela de S\u00e3o Mateus de Arnelas, a simple yet elegant chapel, stands serenely in the heart of Arnelas, a small village nestled in the Portuguese countryside. This small, seemingly unremarkable chapel has a rich past.
As you gaze upwards, you might notice the chapel’s construction dates back to the 18th century. It was a time when the Portuguese economy was booming, and the wealth of the nation found its way into the construction of churches and chapels. While the church is dedicated to Saint Matthew, the patron saint of tax collectors, it was built with funds raised by a tax on wine and salt. People living in the vicinity of the chapel paid a real for every quarter of wine and every rasa of salt. Thanks to their generosity, the chapel stands here, a tangible reminder of their faith and dedication.
The inside is a treasure trove of detail. The elaborate gilded carvings of the altars and the intricate ornamentation of the retables are a testament to the talent of the artists who created them. The beauty of the chapel lies in its intricate carvings, not just in the altar, but also in the pulpit and the credences. Those were carefully crafted during the 1730s by Manuel da Costa Andrade, a master carver.
The Capela de S\u00e3o Mateus de Arnelas served as a place of solace, community, and unwavering faith for generations of Arnelas residents. Today, it stands as a reminder of the past, a beacon of faith, and a testament to the dedication of those who built it.