Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Aveiro > Aveiro > Santa Joana > Presa
The Chapel of São Geraldo is located in Lugar da Presa, an integral part of the locality of Santa Joana, in the municipality of Aveiro. It stands out in the surrounding area, inviting passers-by to observe its particular features.
The origin of this chapel dates back to the profound faith of a couple, Francisco Costa and Teresa de Jesus, who had a great devotion to Saint Gerard. Feeling the difficulty of traveling to fulfill their promises to the saint, whom they affectionately called "São Geraldinho" (Little Saint Gerard), they decided to build a small temple on their own property to perform their acts of worship there.
The tradition of the feast in honor of Saint Gerard, celebrated on the first Sunday of October, has remained alive over time, attracting many people. However, the initial space of the chapel was tiny, making it impossible to celebrate masses, with only litanies and prayers being performed. Sometimes, the sermon was preached from an improvised pulpit outdoors.
Over the years, the original structure proved fragile. In 1882, facing the risk of collapse, Father Francisco da Costa Júnior, son of the founders, spearheaded the reconstruction of the hermitage with the help of his siblings, giving it larger dimensions. More recently, in 1999, the chapel underwent a significant renovation, with the works financed by the effort and cooperation of the inhabitants of Santa Joana, who united in fundraising.
After the interventions it underwent, the Chapel of São Geraldo presents itself renewed. Its exterior and interior cladding in industrial blue tiles, recognized in the Aveiro region, stands out. The architecture combines straight lines with small frontal and lateral openings, topped by an ogival arch that evokes a Romanesque style. The main door also follows this same formal language.
A notable element in the structure is the rectangular tower, which rises from the right side of the facade. It has openings on each of its sides that match the design of the main entrances, making the bells visible inside.
Upon entering the chapel, the visitor finds a space also clad in tiles in the wainscoting area. The chancel, in particular, is richly ornamented. It displays a decoration in gilded and blue carving, which frames the images present in the main altarpiece.
Among the figures venerated in this main altar, one finds the images of the Infant Jesus of Prague, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Piety, and Saint Gerard. The portrait of Saint Gerard, like his story, also perpetuates on the exterior, on a tile panel visible on the main facade, accompanied by a sign indicating its offering by the local community in 1954.
In the area designated for the congregation, flanking the altar, there are two niches housing the images of Our Lady of Fátima and Saint Anthony. The space is further adorned with colorful flower vases. Above, at the back of the nave, is the choir loft.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.6347487,-8.6291029
Coordinates DMS: 40°38'5.1"N 08°37'44.8"W
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