Chapel of Saint Romão

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Aveiro > Vagos > São Romão

Location

The Chapel of São Romão is located in the Place of São Romão, adjacent to Largo de São Romão. It is an integral part of this locality within the municipality of Vagos.

It stands in a small paved churchyard, slightly elevated above street level, with access via a few steps. The churchyard is delimited by a stone masonry wall with an iron railing, giving it a distinctive setting within the surrounding area.

Origin and Evolution

It is believed that the religious history of the site dates back to a primitive temple that existed in the ancient Couto de São Romão. The chapel we see today is thought to have been built in the 17th century.

A significant renovation occurred in 1929, a date visible on an inscription on a cartouche on the main façade. This intervention shaped its current appearance, particularly the portal and the oculus, both made of granite.

Architectural Features

With a simple architecture, the chapel presents a rectangular plan, divided into two main spaces: the nave and the chancel, the latter slightly set back. To the left, the sacristy is adjoined.

The main façade is notable for its gable, topped by a semicircle and surmounted by a crucifix. The corners are adorned with pyramidal pinnacle finials, and on the right side, next to one of these pinnacles, is the bell tower structure.

Interior and Sacred Art

Inside, despite no longer possessing its original carved altarpieces, the chapel houses important images for local worship.

One can observe the image of São Romão, dating from the 17th century and made of polychrome limestone, as well as an image of the Virgin of the Conception. The nave is separated from the chancel by a cruciform arch with an elliptical shape.

Devotion and Tradition

Historically, this chapel attracted many devotees and pilgrims, who came here to seek the intercession of São Romão.

A particular devotion was the request for protection against rabid dog bites. The festive tradition remains alive, with the celebration in honor of São Romão taking place annually on the first Sunday of August.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt