Capela de São Roque

Did a hermit’s dream shape the Capela de São Roque? Let’s unravel the captivating story of this chapel in Porto. The Capela de São Roque stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. It started as a humble hermitage dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Ajuda. In 1737, the hermit Francisco João envisioned a new chapel. He dedicated it to São Roque. The original altarpiece of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda was carefully preserved. It found a new home in the sacristy of the current Capela de São Roque. Historical records from 1758 mention a “rather grand” hermitage of São Roque along the public road to Tras-os-Montes. The records indicate São Roque as the principal patron saint. They also list the images of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, Santo António de Padua, Santa Rita, and São Francisco de Assis within the chapel. In 1876, the Confraria de Santo António took charge. They oversaw the worship and festivities of their patron saint. Unfortunately, this brotherhood disbanded in 1910. A new brotherhood, the Irmandade de Santo António da Capela de São Roque da Lameira, emerged later. In 1915, they were entrusted with the chapel’s inventoried belongings. This inventory included liturgical items and the images of Santo António, Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, São Francisco, and Santa Rita. Throughout the 20th century, the Capela de São Roque underwent several renovations. It stands today as a blend of history, devotion, and community spirit.