Chapel of Saint Sebastian / Chapel of the Holy Martyr

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Coimbra > Montemor-o-Velho > Montemor-o-Velho > Montemor-o-Velho e Gatões

Location

The Chapel of Saint Sebastian is located in the town of Montemor-o-Velho, in an urban area that, nonetheless, offers a tranquil and secluded environment. It is positioned on the southern edge of the settlement, opening onto a vast tree-lined square. Its proximity to the fertile fields of the Mondego River provides it with a harmonious and serene setting, inviting a moment of pause and reflection.

Origins and Devotion

Also known as the Chapel of the Holy Martyr, this religious building has its roots in the mid-16th century. Its construction is due to a vow of faith made to the figure of Saint Sebastian, during a period when a severe plague epidemic ravaged the town. The chapel thus rose as a symbol of hope and devotion from the community in the face of adversity, maintaining its religious function to this day.

Architectural Features

The chapel is a notable example of Renaissance religious architecture. It features a centralized and quadrangular plan, a characteristic that imparts simplicity and balance to its structure. The main body of the building is covered by a hemispherical dome, an element that stands out in its massing. The main facade, facing west, is preceded by a portico, added in the 17th century, supported by eight Doric-style columns, which form three bays at the front and two on each side. At the corners of the chapel, four pinnacles rise, and on the front elevation, two of these culminate in small bell-housings, enriching its whitewashed silhouette.

The Interior and Sacred Art

Inside, visitors encounter a unique space, bathed in natural light filtering through the facade windows. The central point is the altarpiece of polychrome stone, a piece of sacred art dating from the late 16th century. This altarpiece houses, in its central niche, an image of the martyr Saint Sebastian, flanked by other sculptures in the side niches. The richness of the details and the artistic value of this ensemble invite contemplation of faith and local history.

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