Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Leiria > Ansião > Fonte Santa > Cabeço da Lagoa
The Chapel of Fonte Santa is situated in a calm and rural setting, in the locality of Fonte Santa, integrated into the Cabeço da Lagoa area, in the municipality of Ansião. Surrounded by countryside landscapes, it offers visitors a space of serenity and contemplation, far from the daily hustle and bustle.
The history of the Chapel of Fonte Santa is intrinsically linked to an ancient tradition, dating back to August 11, 1623. It is told that, in that place, a child guarding corn under the intense sun, feeling an unbearable thirst, was punished and forced to return without drinking. Desperate, the child prayed to Our Lady, who, in response, appeared to her and indicated where to find water. Upon digging in the sand, the child discovered a clear water spring. This miraculous event led to the construction of a stone fountain on the site, with the date 1623 engraved, and, later, to the building admired today.
Built in the 17th century, the Chapel of Fonte Santa is considered a remarkable expression of local religious art. The temple is accessed by a wide stone staircase leading to a galilee, a porch with a roof supported by ten columns. On the lintel of the main door is the date 1623, possibly the date of its construction, while the bell tower displays the year 1692 and the bell, with the inscription "SNRA DA PAZ ORA PRONOBIS", is dated 1746.
The interior of the chapel, with a single nave, reveals the artistic richness of past eras. The ceiling is made of wood, and the pulpit and its staircase are made of stone. Two lateral stone altar tables feature gilded carved altarpieces and niches, dedicated to Saint Anthony and Saint Benedict. The imposing chancel arch, in ashlar masonry, connecting the nave to the chancel, is carved with geometric patterns and ornaments, resting on Solomonic columns. The chancel ceiling is particularly notable, composed of 35 coffered panels adorned with lacework, vegetal motifs, shells, and images of towers and churches. On the side walls, painted canvases with themes alluding to Genesis are observed, and the main altar's altarpiece is enriched by five 17th-century paintings on oak board, depicting biblical and Marian scenes.
Since its origin, the Chapel of Fonte Santa has become an important pilgrimage site, attracting devotees who sought solace or offered thanks for graces received. The establishment of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Peace, confirmed in 1624, demonstrates the community's deep devotion and commitment to preserving the cult and assisting those in need. Although the original fountain has suffered over time, it was repaired in 1905, and the tradition of the healing water and faith in Our Lady of Peace remain alive. Annually, the chapel continues to be the center of an expressive procession, which underscores its ongoing relevance for the community and for visitors seeking an encounter with local history and spirituality.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.9286587,-8.4360836
Coordinates DMS: 39°55'43.2"N 08°26'9.9"W
Weather Fonte Santa
On-duty Pharmacy Fonte Santa
