Capela de S. Mateus

In 1723, a grand vision began to take shape in Arnelas. The Capela de S. Mateus started its journey, funded by a tax on salt and Douro wine. This reveals the chapel’s connection to the region’s vital trade. Imagine the bustling activity as these commodities were transported, unknowingly contributing to the rise of this beautiful chapel. The Capela de S. Mateus wasn’t the first sacred space on this site. A smaller chapel predated it, serving the community for about a century. This older building was deemed too small for the growing community. They petitioned King João V for a provision to levy a tax on salt and wine. This tax would fund the construction of a larger, more impressive structure, replacing the smaller chapel. The first mass was celebrated in the new Capela de S. Mateus in 1727. However, the construction wasn’t fully completed. The funding provision expired, halting work on the main body of the church. Despite a new provision being granted, the work remained unfinished for a period. The Capela de S. Mateus stands as a testament to the 18th-century economic prosperity that fueled religious projects. Inside, the gilded carvings in the Joanino and Baroque styles reflect this opulence. The altarpieces, both in the main altar and the side altars, hold valuable images, adding to the chapel’s artistic richness. The arrangement of these elements played a crucial role in defining the sacred space within the building. It aimed to captivate the faithful and enhance their spiritual experience beyond the Eucharist ceremony. Padre Luis Cardoso documented the chapel’s construction in his 1747 dictionary, providing a valuable historical record. This account sheds light on the chapel’s early stages and the ambition behind its construction. It was later referenced by D. Domingos de Pinho in an article published in 1987. The Capela de S. Mateus might not have been alone. Records hint at another religious structure in Arnelas, an hermitage dedicated to Santo André. This suggests a vibrant spiritual life within the community. In more recent times, the Capela de S. Mateus has undergone restoration. In 2020, the Gaia City Council invested in restoring the deteriorating altars. This showcases the ongoing commitment to preserving this historical gem. The Capela de S. Mateus stands proudly, a symbol of faith, resilience, and the enduring legacy of Arnelas.