Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Leiria > Castanheira de Pera > Pêra
The Chapel of São Sebastião, locally known as Capela Velha de Pêra, stands in the heart of the locality of Pêra, which belongs to the municipality of Castanheira de Pera. Prominently located within the urban fabric, it stands in the center of a square, surrounded by buildings, giving it a notable presence. The main access is via a staircase that overcomes the slight inclination of the terrain, inviting a pause and contemplation.
This chapel dates back to the 17th century, with the date 1695 visible inside, which is presumed to mark its construction period. Its design features a single nave, followed by a narrower and lower chancel, both with simple gable roofs. Over time, the chapel benefited from various interventions, including improvement works noted in 1881 and a more recent restoration between 2006 and 2007, which ensured the preservation of its heritage.
The main facade of the chapel is marked by a welcoming porch, supported by six Tuscan-style columns of granite stonework, resting on a low wall. This wall is pierced by small openings protected by iron gates, allowing access to the interior of the porch. The main portal, rectangular in shape and made of granite stonework, is flanked by two windows of similar profile. Above the ridge of the porch roof, on the facade's gable, there are two quadrangular windows, designed to illuminate the choir loft.
Inside the chapel, the floor is entirely covered with granite stone, and the nave ceiling is painted blue, made of wood, creating a serene atmosphere. The choir loft, also made of wood, is supported by two granite columns and is accessible by a granite staircase, where, midway, there is a granite pulpit. The passage from the nave to the main altar is delimited by a full-round triumphal arch, where the date 1695 is visible, and by wrought iron railings, with an engraved date marking the improvements made to the chapel.
One of the most captivating elements of the Chapel of São Sebastião are its mural and plaster paintings. The chancel walls are covered with painted plasterwork, which remarkably details a pattern of tiles in shades of blue and gray, with repetitive vegetal motifs. A blue wainscoting, with a classical-inspired geometric border, complements this decoration. The stone arch of the main altar displays vibrant red decorative painting, and the two lateral niches are equally polychromed. The interior of the triumphal arch is enriched with vegetal decorative painting, in shades of blue, red, and white, showcasing great technical and artistic quality.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.0358669,-8.1885577
Coordinates DMS: 40°02'9.1"N 08°11'18.8"W
Weather Pêra
On-duty Pharmacy Pêra
