Capela da Senhora da Luz

In 1884, the Capela da Senhora da Luz first opened its doors, built by the local residents. They used some of the stones from the demolished Chapel of Santo Elói, which once stood beside the Church of São Francisco. The chapel’s construction records reveal a fascinating detail. The first expense listed was 170$000 paid to Manuel Ferreira Leite de Carvalho. This was for transporting stones from Porto, the site of Santo Elói, to Foz do Douro, where the Capela da Senhora da Luz stands. The Capela da Senhora da Luz faced turbulent times. In 1912, the Nevogilde Parish Council closed the chapel and prevented its reopening, much to the dismay of the locals. It was returned to service in 1918 by government decree. However, it was closed again in 1919 by the Nevogilde council. In 1922, the Capela da Senhora da Luz and its surrounding land were given to the Parish Council. They planned to establish their headquarters and archives there and build a primary school on the land. The chapel was transformed and disfigured with a second story, becoming an ordinary-looking house. Later, the parish requested the building back. Their request was granted in 1944. The modified building was demolished. A new Capela da Senhora da Luz was built on the same spot, the one you see today. This new chapel was blessed in 1946, with a mass celebrated the following day. The Capela da Senhora da Luz stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and devotion.