Strange as it may seem, the Capela de Senhora da Guia began not just as a place of worship. It also served as a point of defense for the Ave River. This chapel stands as a beacon to those entering the river. Fishermen from the north pray to it. Its presence at the river’s mouth offers comfort when crossing this natural barrier.
Now let’s dive into its story. References to it exist in the inventory of the Monastery of Guimarães. This dates back to the 11th century in 1054. The document mentions “Et intus in mare Heremita Sancti Juliani Martyris”. This suggests the chapel was dedicated to Saint Julian. He is the patron saint of port defenders.
Interestingly the chapel’s jurisdiction belonged to the Abbot of Navais. This was because Navais was a parish of the Clarissa nuns of Vila do Conde. The devotion to Saint Julian was replaced. It was replaced by Our Lady of Guia or Candlemas. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on February 2.
The Capela de Senhora da Guia that you see before you is from the 17th century. The exterior facades might not stand out. But the interior surprises with its abundance of tiles woodwork and painting. This defines a clearly Baroque space.
Look at the ceiling. It is covered in boxes representing the litany of the rosary and biblical episodes. From the Gospel is a pulpit with a wooden balustrade. The triumphal arch has two columns. A perfect arch integrates into a composition of gilded carvings on a white background. The Capela de Senhora da Guia also includes the side altars.
In the chancel the altarpiece presents the same tones. But it is more recent. Its refined style is already close to the neoclassical. The Capela de Senhora da Guia was restored in 1940. Then the centenary cross was placed at the top of the stairs.
King D. Luís and Queen D. Maria Pia visited the town in September 1887. They went in procession to the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Guia. They visited the chapel. Once nobles founders of the Monastery of Santa Clara did the same.
The chapel is open daily. The Brotherhood of Our Lady of Guia and S. Julião maintains it. The Feast Day is February 2. It is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple or Purification of Our Lady. There is a Solemn Procession on the last Sunday of January.
In 1982 the chapel was classified as a Building of Public Interest.