Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Leiria > Bombarral > Bombarral
Situated in the tranquility of the São Brás urbanization, the Chapel of São Brás is located within the grounds of the Bombarral cemetery. This location, on the outskirts of the town, grants it a serene atmosphere and direct accessibility for visitors to Bombarral, in the heart of the municipality of the same name.
The Chapel of São Brás, also known as the Hermitage, is a testament to the passage of centuries in Bombarral. Its origins date back to the 15th century, a period of profound importance for the history of Portugal. The building seen today was rebuilt after the earthquake of January 25, 1531, which demonstrates its resilience and the will to preserve this space of devotion. In recognition of its cultural and historical value, the chapel has been classified as a Property of Municipal Interest since 1996.
Inside the chapel, the tomb of Luís Henriques stands out, a nobleman from the 14th-15th century, whose history intertwines with crucial moments in the foundation of Portugal. Luís Henriques was a prominent figure, having been one of the twenty knights who accompanied Constable D. Nuno Álvares Pereira during the siege of Lisbon in 1382. His bravery was manifested in the famous Battle of Aljubarrota, where he was part of the renowned Ala dos Namorados. Later, he served King D. João I as mantieiro-mor, receiving favors in Bombarral, a territory to which his descendants remained connected for centuries.
Architecturally, the Chapel of São Brás features a Mannerist style. Its main façade is marked by a galilee, a porch with three round arches, which precedes the entrance and has a small side bell tower. In the niche above the door, there is the 16th-century image of the patron saint, Saint Brás. The interior of the chapel, with a single nave and a plain wooden ceiling, reveals a remarkable collection of 17th-century tiles with a polychrome pattern, in shades of blue, yellow, and white, covering the walls. The altarpiece of the main altar, in white and gilded carving, is a central piece, dating from the 17th century. This altarpiece incorporates eight painted panels, including scenes from the life of Saint Brás and the Flight into Egypt, and is attributed to the workshop of the painter Diogo Teixeira, showing similarities with works from the Church of Santa Maria de Óbidos.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.2601677,-9.1507384
Coordinates DMS: 39°15'36.6"N 09°09'2.7"W
Weather Bombarral
On-duty Pharmacy Bombarral
