Capela do Bairro da Cadeia

Gazing upon the Capela do Bairro da Cadeia, can you envision its humble beginnings? In 1697, construction began on this unassuming chapel, funded by the Confraternity of Nossa Senhora do Postigo das Verdades. The Capela do Bairro da Cadeia, also known as the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Verdades, embodies the Maneirist style. Its rectangular layout, gabled roof, and Tuscan pilasters framing a triangular pediment whisper tales of a bygone era. A unique feature of the Capela do Bairro da Cadeia is its connection to a neighboring house. In 1701, Canon Domingos Gonçalves Prada, who lived next door, endowed the chapel. Both the confraternity and the city senate granted permission for a door to be opened directly from his residence into the Capela do Bairro da Cadeia. Step inside the Capela do Bairro da Cadeia, and you’ll find a Maneirist altarpiece, hinting at the emerging Baroque style. Four paintings adorn the altarpiece, depicting São Domingos, São José, São João Batista, and Nossa Senhora da Rosa. At the center, nestled within a niche, resides the image of Nossa Senhora das Verdades. This 14th-century statue, crafted from Ançã stone, originally graced the Postigo das Mentiras (later Verdades), a gate in the old city wall. The Capela do Bairro da Cadeia has seen a revival in recent years. Thanks to the “Caminhos de Santiago – Caminho Português da Costa” project, and co-funded by NORTE 2020 community funds, the chapel underwent restoration. In March 2018, the Capela do Bairro da Cadeia reopened its doors, not just as a chapel, but as a welcoming center for pilgrims.