Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Aveiro > Ovar > Ovar
The Chapels of the Steps are located in the historic center of Ovar, distributed along a route that begins inside the Mother Church of São Cristóvão (Chapel of the Praetorium Step, 40.86138325697805, -8.62118061663142) and continues through streets and squares where each station gains its own place.
On Rua Alexandre Herculano are located the Chapel of the Fall Step (40.85992714597244, -8.624666215423785) and, further ahead, the Chapel of the Encounter Step (40.86124520801394, -8.624530042786917). In Largo dos Bombeiros Velhos stands the Chapel of the Cyrenean Step (40.86077150594658, -8.62541696600024), while in Praça da República is the Chapel of the Veronica Step (40.85953266292598, -8.625410823445574). Largo Mouzinho de Albuquerque hosts the Chapel of the Daughters of Jerusalem Step (40.858984122739976, -8.624251095063858) and the route culminates in Largo dos Combatentes, next to the Calvary Chapel (40.85942832673216, -8.619922508955485).
Between 1747 and 1755, these chapels replaced ancient portable oratories used in Lenten processions, becoming known for the “royal tax of a quartilho of wine” that funded their construction. Since June 16, 1949, this ensemble has been classified as a Property of Public Interest, reflecting its relevance in Ovar's religious and community heritage.
The symbolic route of the stations recreates Christ's Via Sacra (Way of the Cross), recalling, from the Praetorium to Calvary, the central moments of the Passion.
Each chapel adopts a Rococo veneer, present in the profuse gilded carving and polychrome sculptures. The brown tone unifies the scenes, lending them dramatic intensity and facilitating the contemplation of expressive details.
The figures, in carved and polychrome wood, reveal strong emotions, inviting reflection on sacrifice, suffering, and mercy.
The pedestrian route through the seven chapels offers moments of pause in intimate spaces, contrasting with the surrounding city rhythm. Natural light, filtered by the doorways, highlights volumes and textures, creating atmospheres of introspection and discovery.
This experience combines history, art, and urban life, allowing visitors to appreciate how, over 250 years, the Chapels of the Steps remain alive in the daily life of Ovar.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passos_de_Ovar
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.86138705430567,-8.621167842098064
Coordinates DMS: 40°51'41.0"N 08°37'16.2"W
Weather Ovar
On-duty Pharmacy Ovar
