Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Sintra > Portela de Cambra
The Chapel of Santa Marta is located in the town of Portela de Cambra, a point of interest within the municipality of Sintra, in the district of Lisbon. Its location reflects the unique characteristic of a building with deep historical roots in the contemporary urban fabric. This site offers a glimpse into how ancient constructions adapt and bear witness to the evolution of a community over the centuries, maintaining their presence in an environment that is now modern but still holds traces of past eras.
The history of the Chapel of Santa Marta dates back to at least the second half of the 16th century. This timeline is supported by archaeological discoveries made on-site, including the identification of a ceitil of King Afonso V, a coin that remained in circulation until the reign of King Sebastião. Over the centuries, the chapel played a central role in the daily life of the community, serving as an important focal point for the inhabitants of Portela de Cambra and its surroundings.
Historical documents reveal the social relevance of the chapel, recording the first wedding held on its premises in 1583, followed shortly after by the first death record in 1587. These milestones underscore the role of the Chapel of Santa Marta as a fundamental space for rites of passage and the social cohesion of the local population over several generations.
The last decades of the 19th century brought a profound change to the Chapel of Santa Marta, which underwent a significant conversion. During this period, the building was adapted into a private residence, a modification that considerably altered its original features and, consequently, affected the archaeological layers beneath the structure. This transformation marks a turning point in the monument's history, as it transitioned from a place of worship to the private sphere.
With the aim of recovering as much information as possible about its initial construction and historical path, archaeological excavations were carried out at the Chapel of Santa Marta. This work allowed for a detailed study of the foundations and structures that survived successive interventions. Despite the modifications resulting from its adaptation into a house, the investigations proved crucial for documenting its original floor plan and the remnants of its presence, contributing essential data for a better understanding of this building and its valuable historical context.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7973575,-9.2342445
Coordinates DMS: 38°47'50.5"N 09°14'3.3"W
Weather Portela de Cambra
On-duty Pharmacy Portela de Cambra
