Perhaps the most striking feature of the Capela de São Crispim e São Crispiniano is its azulejo-covered facade. This architectural gem stands proudly at the top of Rua de Santos Pousada in Bonfim. It belongs to the Confraria de São Crispim.
The Capela de São Crispim e São Crispiniano is dedicated to São Crispim and São Crispiniano. The chapel was built in 1878. It replaced the original chapel. An adjacent hospital and pilgrim shelter had stood here since the 14th century. These older buildings were located on Rua das Congostas. That street is now called Rua Mousinho da Silveira. They were demolished in 1875. This demolition allowed for the opening of the new street.
The Capela de São Crispim e São Crispiniano boasts an eclectic religious architecture. It has a longitudinal nave and a chancel. The chancel is relatively lower and narrower. A square bell tower stands out. It individualizes the facade above the gable. The main facade features decorative azulejos. These tiles display geometric designs. Tuscan pilasters frame the facade. They support an entablature and a triangular pediment. The portal has a straight lintel. It is topped by a slightly undulating cornice.
Inside the Capela de São Crispim e São Crispiniano, the interior is covered by a vaulted ceiling. Stucco with decorative Eucharistic and floral motifs adorns the ceiling. The endonarthex is delimited by an arcade. This arcade has three spans with pilasters. This design repeats at the level of the high choir. However the choir is set back.
Looking closer at the exterior, notice the coat of arms. It is made of granite. It features the national arms on one side. On the other side are three pales. There is a figure shaped like an L. The vertical bar is slightly broken. A fleur-de-lis surrounds it. An helmet tops the shield.
The bell tower has two registers. Frieses, quoins and cornices mark them. The first register has a circular clock. The second has four openings. Each face has one opening. These openings have frames topped with arches. These are for the placement of bells. A pyramid trunk tops the tower. A sphere sits atop this trunk. A metal Latin cross rests on the sphere. Simple pinnacles decorate the corners.
Stepping inside the Capela de São Crispim e São Crispiniano you will see the interior. The single nave is bright. Modern tiles with Eucharistic symbols line the walls. The floor is wooden. The ceiling is vaulted. Stucco and decorative motifs adorn it. Two pulpits face each other. They have granite bases. The carved wooden railings are painted white and gold.
The triumphal arch is a perfect arch. It rests on pilasters. A decorative valance of polychrome and gilded carving tops it. It shows vegetal motifs. The coat of arms of the Brotherhood is at the center. Urns are at the ends. The chancel is raised by three steps. Grey carpet covers the floor. Modern tiles with Eucharistic motifs cover the walls. Four reproduced prints depict sacraments. These are Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation and Matrimony.
The main altarpiece is a highlight of the Capela de São Crispim e São Crispiniano. It is made of polychrome white and gold carving. Corinthian columns define three axes. An attic with openwork vegetal elements tops it. A central cartouche adorns the attic. A tribune opens in the center. It houses a five-step throne. Cherubs flank the throne. An image sits at the center. A bench is adorned with vegetal and plant motifs. It integrates a tabernacle. The tabernacle is shaped like a temple topped by an Agnus Dei. The sacristy has tiled wainscoting and a mosaic floor. Wooden furniture holds imagery and liturgical objects.
The Capela de São Crispim e São Crispiniano has undergone several interventions. In 1926, the tower was restored. The chapel roof was replaced in 1960. In 1966, new stained glass was installed. In 1980, decorative tiles were added to the chancel. These additions contribute to the rich history of the Capela de São Crispim e São Crispiniano.