Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Lisboa > Mafra > Ericeira > Vila
The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem is located in the very heart of Ericeira, in the area known as Vila. Its elevated position, in a small courtyard next to the cliffs, offers a stunning panorama over the Atlantic Ocean and Praia dos Pescadores. It is a discreet yet striking landmark that blends into the town's coastal landscape, serving as a kind of border between the northern and southern areas of Ericeira.
The history of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem dates back to distant times, its roots shrouded in some uncertainty. It is known, however, that since the year 1609, this place served as a meeting point and headquarters for the ancient Confraternity of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem dos Homens do Mar, a testament to Ericeira's deep connection with the ocean. It was from 1645 onwards that the chapel more solidly assumed its function as a place of worship, dedicated to the protection of those who went to sea.
The building observed today, despite its modest dimensions, presents a simple and traditional aesthetic. Its whitewashed facade is punctuated by contrasting toned frames and a blue band that surrounds it at ground level. On the main facade, a classic-style door is flanked by windows and topped by another opening of the same type, with square-based pinnacles crowning the corners. Inside, the rich 'carpet-type' tile lining stands out, fully covering the space, including the vault, and dating from 1789. On the triumphal arch, the date 1634 can be read, a record of historical interventions. The chapel also houses a collection of eighteenth-century images, among which those of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem and Santo António stand out, reflecting its double invocation. On the exterior side facade, a tile panel narrates a relevant episode: the departure of the Royal Family into exile in 1910.
Beyond its religious function, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem played a crucial role for the fishing community in times past. Due to its strategic location, it served as a kind of natural lighthouse, guiding boats into the port and alerting fishermen to the arrival of storms. Nowadays, the chapel remains a vibrant center of devotion and tradition, serving as the stage for the annual festivities in honor of the patron saint of Ericeira's fishermen. These celebrations, resumed in their current form from 1947 after a period of interruption, traditionally take place on the third Sunday of August and include one of the most emblematic and solemn maritime processions on the Portuguese coast.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.96488318417034, -9.418115718135228
Coordinates DMS: 38°57'53.6"N 09°25'5.2"W
On-duty Pharmacy Ericeira
