Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Faro > Silves > Silves > Centro Histórico
It is located in a quiet, tree-lined square with jacarandas, on the outskirts of Silves' historic centre. Today, it is integrated into the urban area.
It is believed to have been built on the site where, in 1189, D. Sancho I ordered the burial of Christians killed during the conquest of the city. The current construction dates from the 16th century, with no visible traces remaining of the original temple.
Late Gothic style, with simple forms and geometric lines. It stands out for its single nave and the arch leading to the chancel, with a four-pointed star-shaped vault.
Symbols are carved into the chapel ceiling, such as the Cross of Christ, the Sun and the Moon (linked to the figure of Mary), and Queen D. Leonor's shrimp pot, suggesting the monarch's support for the work.
Medieval tomb slabs can be seen, as well as three altarpieces, two baroque (from Silves Cathedral) and one mannerist in the main chapel.
The top of the chapel features indented battlements, a rare characteristic in the Algarve. There are also four gargoyles, two in animal shapes and two in the shape of cannons, typical of the Joanine style.
Altered after the 1755 earthquake, it gained Late Baroque style features. The main entrance dates from 1779 and has decorative elements typical of the period.
In the vicinity of the hermitage, there was a necropolis used between the 15th and 16th centuries. Over 150 Christian burials were found.
Classified as a Building of Public Interest since 1961, following a campaign that highlighted its state of degradation.
In 1840, it was the scene of a violent attack during a local festival. Between 1886 and 1936, it hosted the traditional All Saints' Fair.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.18948038389611,-8.443794829093482
Coordinates DMS: 37°11'22.1"N 08°26'37.7"W
Weather Silves
On-duty Pharmacy Silves
