Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Beja > Odemira > Vila Nova de Milfontes > Foros de Pereira
The Hermitage of Santo António de Cela, now a set of ruins, is located in a tranquil rural setting, in the area of Foros de Pereira. This site is part of the picturesque Serra do Cercal, offering a serene and natural environment just a few kilometers from Vila Nova de Milfontes, in the municipality of Odemira. Its isolated position, amidst gentle elevations, provides an atmosphere of quietude and an interesting perspective on the surrounding landscape.
The remnants of the Hermitage of Santo António de Cela reveal the structure of a religious temple which, despite its dilapidated state, still allows for observation of its original composition. It is possible to discern the main nave, separated from the chancel by an arch that marked the transition between these spaces. On the main façade, traces of the old bell tower are still visible. An inscription carved above the main door indicates the year 1704, a temporal marker that may correspond to a significant intervention or restoration. Inside the chancel, although faint, some vestiges of mural paintings persist, suggesting the decorative richness that once adorned the site, likely dating from the late 18th century.
The history of the Hermitage of Santo António de Cela dates back to the 16th century, although the existence of an earlier place of worship on the same site is admitted. This temple became deeply linked to the figure of a Franciscan friar known as Bernardino. Legend has it that Bernardino lived here as a hermit and that his death occurred mysteriously during a shipwreck at the entrance of the Mira River, as he was heading to Lisbon. According to popular tradition, his body was found with his hands crossed and his breviary intact, an event considered miraculous. In memory of this friar, the hermitage was built on the site where he resided, initially dedicated to Saint Bernardine of Siena, due to the similarity of the name. Over time, the invocation of the site changed, having also been dedicated to Our Lady and, finally, to Saint Anthony, the name by which it is known today.
Today, the ruins of the Hermitage of Santo António de Cela invite a moment of pause and reflection. The site, once a center of faith and religious festivities until the mid-20th century, is now a testament to the passage of time and the resilience of heritage. Its deterioration, exacerbated by third-party actions, has been countered by citizen initiatives that sought to consolidate the existing structures, preserving what remains for future generations. Visiting these ruins is to experience a fusion of history, faith, and the wild nature of the Serra do Cercal, in a setting that inspires tranquility and appreciation for the memory of Alentejo's rural past.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.7693875,-8.7110781
Coordinates DMS: 37°46'9.8"N 08°42'39.9"W
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