Listen closely to the story of Capela de São Brás. It is also known as Senhora do Monte. This chapel has stood here for centuries. Its stones whisper tales of faith and devotion.
Capela de São Brás sits on the right bank of the River Leça. It is perched on a granite outcrop. This outcrop plunges sharply towards the river. The chapel is about 70 meters above sea level.
The first chapel faces west. An extensive staircase leads to its entrance. The other chapel is dedicated to Saint Sebastian. It faces north. It stands at a higher elevation. Its back is to the River Leça.
Let’s talk a bit about the surrounding area. The area around Capela de São Brás is quite special. The chapel is surrounded by a wide yard of beaten earth. You can see benches and tables here. Large trees provide shade. These include cork oaks plane trees pines lindens liquidambars and cedars.
Attached to the chapel on the north side is the house of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Livramento. The chapel of Saint Sebastian has a viewpoint behind it. From here you can see a remarkable stretch of the Leça valley. In the foreground are the agricultural fields of Quinta de Santa Cruz do Bispo. It was once the summer residence of the Bishop of Porto. Now it is a prison.
The River Leça runs through the Quinta. You can tell by the riverside vegetation. Below the viewpoint are several watermills. The chapel of Saint Sebastian faces a staircase. The staircase begins with a ramp. It is covered in Portuguese granite cobblestone.
The staircase is topped by a cross. Also the “Man of the Apple” sculpture in granite is there. These form another viewpoint. It overlooks an impressive collection of granite blocks. From this point a road leads to the base of the staircase. This gives access to Capela de São Brás.
Today the hill is heavily wooded. Eucalyptus and acacia trees dominate. These have significantly changed the area. Originally it would have been dominated by cork oaks and oak trees. Rua de São Brás runs parallel to the wall of Quinta de Santa Cruz do Bispo. Tall plane trees line the street. It leads to Largo da Viscondessa. The imposing entrance gate to the Quinta is located there.
Monte de São Brás is close to Parque da Ponte do Carro. It is also near Parque da Ciência. A fairground was recently built on the northern slope of the Mount. It is currently inactive.
The Feast of S. Brás takes place in the Parish of Santa Cruz do Bispo. It honors S. Brás and Our Lady of Livramento. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after February 2nd. The highlight is a procession. It leaves from the Main Church of Santa Cruz do Bispo. It goes to Monte do S. Brás where the chapel of the Saint is. There is an outdoor Mass in the morning. Pilgrims buy useful items and souvenirs. They satisfy their hunger and thirst at traditional stalls. They gather in the surrounding woods for picnics. The Feast of Our Lady of Livramento is celebrated on the 1st Sunday after February 3rd.
Capela de São Brás has seen many changes. It has been a place of worship and a landmark for centuries. Its history is intertwined with the local community. The reconstruction of 1880 gave the church the appearance that we see today. The azulejo tiles are beautiful. The detailed Baroque carvings are works of art.
Capela de São Brás stands as a testament to faith. It also stands for the enduring spirit of the people of Porto. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Consider its rich history.