Capela Velha de São Bento das Peras

“A chapel split in two?” a curious voice might ask. You’d be right to wonder about the Capela Velha de São Bento das Peras. Right before you, you see two chapels. One old, one new. They stand together as a testament to faith over centuries. The older Capela Velha de São Bento das Peras sits high on the mountain, marking the boundary between Tagilde and Caldas de Vizela. While its exact origins are shrouded in time, it definitely predates the 16th century. This chapel has seen its share of history, undergoing repairs in 1831 and being restored to its former glory by 1834. But the story doesn’t end there. As Vizela grew, so did the need for a larger place of worship. In 1966, a new chapter began. Work started on a brand new temple alongside the old. This modern addition was designed by architect Aguiar de Guimarães. Land for the project was generously donated by Domingos Araújo and his wife, Maria Amália from Porto. Just five years later, in 1971, the new temple was inaugurated by Archbishop Francisco Maria da Silva. And finally, in a grand gesture in 1999, both chapels were elevated to the status of Santuário de São Bento das Peras. Today, they stand together, a beautiful blend of old and new, reminding us of the enduring power of faith and community.