Chapel of Saint Euphemia of Sameiro

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Guarda > Manteigas > Sameiro

Location

The Chapel of Santa Eufémia is situated in the peaceful village of Sameiro, which belongs to the municipality of Manteigas. This setting offers an experience of tranquility, characteristic of the Serra da Estrela landscapes, where nature and the simplicity of mountain villages harmonize. The chapel is nestled in an environment that invites reflection and the enjoyment of the surrounding calm.

Its Historical Roots

Determining the exact date of the Chapel of Santa Eufémia's construction presents a challenge, which underscores its long history and the depth of its roots. The presence of an image of the Saint dated 1696, already in a state of deterioration at the time, indicates that this place of worship had existed for a long time. During the second half of the 17th century, the chapel likely played a central role in the religious life of the community, serving as a gathering point for the faithful and having been subsequently expanded to accommodate a growing number of devotees.

The Devotion to Saint Euphemia

This chapel is a point of faith dedicated to Saint Euphemia, a patron saint with a special connection to "difficult births and unknown ailments". This particularity attracts a large number of faithful and visitors throughout the year. September 16th is particularly significant, marking the date associated with the Saint, and celebrations in her honor take place on the first Sunday after that date, annually renewing the devotion surrounding this place.

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