Hermitage of Saint John of Venda

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Faro > Loulé > Almancil > São João da Venda

Location

The Chapel of São João da Venda is located in the area that gives it its name, São João da Venda, a zone that is part of the locality of Almancil, in the municipality of Loulé. Situated in a peri-urban environment, somewhat isolated and close to National Road 125, this chapel is built in a small square, delimited by a churchyard, with some single-story houses in its immediate surroundings.

Origins and History

The first documented references to the Chapel of São João da Venda appear in the early 16th century, at which time it functioned as a simple chapel, dependent on the Mother Church of Santa Maria de Faro. Throughout the second half of the 16th century, the original structure was expanded, giving rise to a new temple which, for a certain period, was elevated to the seat of the parish.

During the 17th century, the chapel served as the parish matrix, even having a resident priest from 1681. However, in 1849, it ceased to be the parish seat, with that function being transferred to the Church of São Lourenço de Almancil. Throughout the 20th century, the building benefited from remodelling and recovery works that helped preserve its historical and architectural heritage.

Architecture and Artistic Heritage

The Chapel of São João da Venda features religious architecture predominantly from the 16th century, although it has undergone alterations over the centuries. Its longitudinal plan consists of a single nave, two side chapels, a chancel, and a sacristy.

On the exterior, the chapel is distinguished by its stepped volumes. The main facade, facing south, is marked by a straight lintel ashlar portal, flanked by two tombs, and a grated window above, all topped by a gable with a stone cross. A single-opening bell tower, on the side, complements the ensemble. The chancel, quadrangular in shape, is blind on the north facade and topped by pinnacles. Inside, the nave is spacious, with a barrel vault ceiling, and is lit by the main facade window. The triumphal arch, made of ashlar, features a double column and Tuscan capitals.

The greatest artistic highlight of the interior is the Mannerist altarpiece in gilded woodcarving, considered a valuable example and one of the few of this era and style that survive in the municipality of Loulé. This altarpiece is divided into three registers ornamented with geometric and spiral motifs, highlighting a tabernacle and niches flanked by canvases. The chancel features a rib vault, a striking Gothic element. The chapel also houses wooden images of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (from the 18th century) and São Luís (from the 17th century), which enrich its artistic collection.

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