A glimpse of blue and white. That’s the first thing you notice about the Capela de Fradelos. The stunning azulejos on its facade. They’re the work of Jorge Colaço the same artist who adorned the São Bento Train Station.
This unassuming chapel nestled between Rua Guedes de Azevedo and Rua Sà da Bandeira holds a story spanning centuries. It’s more than just a place of worship. It’s a living testament to Porto’s rich history. Its name Capela de Fradelos harkens back to a time long before the city we know today existed.
The area now known as Fradelos was once a far-off suburb. It sat on the outskirts of the old bishop’s borough. This was back in 1283. The earliest written record mentions Fradelos. Two Porto citizens Pero Soeiro Castelo and Mem de Mouro donated land there. The origin of the name Fradelos itself is shrouded in mystery. Some say it’s linked to a small hospice for Benedictine monks. It might have been a place where they rested. The area was high on Monte de Santo António do Bonjardim with great views and fresh air. Much of the mountain was later removed to make way for Rua de Gonçalo Cristóvão.
In the 17th century a quinta or farm called Quinta de Fradelos stood on the land. An ermita or small chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine was on it. It’s believed the name of this chapel inspired the name of today’s Rua de Santa Catarina.
The image of Nossa Senhora da Boa Hora was originally housed in a niche at the Fonte de Fradelos. This was a spring. Locals were upset when it became subjected to vandalism. So in 1804 they built the first Capela de Fradelos. It was built on land donated by Manuel Duarte and his mother-in-law. The chapel’s current structure dates from 1893.
Step inside. Marvel at the stucco ceiling. Admire its gilded medallions. Notice the beautiful woodwork. The chapel’s interior also features Colaço’s signature azulejos.
The Capela de Fradelos. A small chapel with a big story. It’s a reminder that even the quietest corners of a city can hold centuries of history. A history waiting to be discovered.