Chapel of Saint Sebastian

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Aveiro > Albergaria-a-Velha > Albergaria-a-Velha > Albergaria-a-Velha e Valmaior

Location

The Chapel of São Sebastião is located in the urban area of Albergaria-a-Velha, integrated into the setting of Rua Mártires da Liberdade. It is surrounded by houses and features a walled courtyard that precedes the main entrance.

To reach the chapel, one must ascend a small staircase from the churchyard, as the building is situated in an elevated position relative to street level. Access to the churchyard is through an iron gate flanked by pillars.

Origins and Evolution

This religious building has its origin recorded in the year of 1676. Since its construction, it has served as a place of worship, maintaining its religious function to this day.

Over time, the chapel has undergone some alterations. One of the most visible occurred in the first half of the 20th century, when the main facade was covered with tiles. More recently, in the early 21st century (in 2003), a volume was added to the side facade and conservation works were carried out.

Architectural and Decorative Aspects

The Chapel of São Sebastião features a simple longitudinal structure, composed of a nave and a slightly narrower and lower chancel. Its architecture reflects characteristics of the Mannerist period.

The most prominent element is, without a doubt, the main facade. It is entirely covered by a pattern of blue monochromatic tiles on a white background. At the center, the straight-lintel entrance portal, with its simple frame, bears the inscription "MÁRTIR S. SEBASTIÃO" and the date 1676. Flanking the portal, above the windows, two figurative tile panels can be observed, depicting Saint Sebastian and Saint Euphemia. At the top of the gable that crowns the facade, a cross appears, and to the side, set back, stands the small bell tower.