Hidden within Porto’s embrace lies the Capela de São Sebastião. Its unassuming exterior belies a rich history. This small chapel stands as a testament to faith and resilience.
The Capela de São Sebastião is more than just a place of worship. It’s a historical gem. Records suggest its construction in the 16th century. Bishop Rodrigo Pinheiro is believed to have commissioned it. It was once part of a larger estate. This estate was used as a retreat for bishops. Now it stands alone a quiet observer of the city’s bustling life.
The chapel’s single nave is preceded by an open porch. This porch is elevated and supported by angled walls. Adorning these walls are columns and half-columns with Corinthian capitals. The pilasters boast capitals with volutes and geometric elements. A wide stone staircase leads to the porch. The building’s volumes are articulated by differently pitched roofs. The rear facade is blank. The side walls feature small framed windows. One wall also contains a door.
The chapel’s entrance portal has a chamfered round arch. Above it is a rectangular cartouche. This cartouche bears the coat of arms of Bishop D Rodrigo Pereira. Inside the nave the walls are bare. An altar stands upon the substructure. It has a front panel covered in white blue and yellow tiles. Above the altar in a niche is a statue of Saint Sebastian. Flanking the statue are two small paintings of cherubim. Each side features polychrome relief panels depicting the Evangelists. The ceiling is smooth stucco with a lowered arch. On one side there is a small sample of a tiled wainscot. On the other side four polychrome images of angels are visible. They have been repainted over time. A small projecting basin is also located on this wall.
The Capela de São Sebastião was once integrated into the Quinta de Santa Cruz do Bispo. Today the key to the chapel is held by Dona Florinda. She lives in a house adjacent to the Rua do Monte de São Brás. No regular masses are held here. The chapel opens only for the procession during the São Brás festivities. This is truly a hidden treasure of Porto’s past. Its simple yet elegant structure speaks of enduring faith. It’s a poignant reminder of a bygone era.