Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Madeira > Calheta > São Lourenço > Eirinhas
The Chapel of São Lourenço is located in the Eirinhas area, in the locality of São Lourenço, which is part of the municipality of Calheta. It is situated in a mid-slope, typically rural area, and is integrated into an older residential nucleus, the Lombo de São Lourenço, which gives it an atmosphere of tranquility and a deep connection to local history. The chapel is highlighted by an extensive paved churchyard, inviting a pause and contemplation of its exterior.
The history of the Chapel of São Lourenço dates back centuries, with its origins lost in the early years of the 16th century, when it already functioned as a chaplaincy. Its importance grew, later transforming into a parish and serving as the main parish church until the mid-18th century. There are indications that this temple was historically linked to the family of Afonso Jardim, one of the pioneers in the colonization and ownership of Lombada, underscoring its connection with the beginnings of local settlement.
This chapel features a style of Mannerist architecture, characterized by its simplicity and elegance. The building, with a longitudinal plan and white plastered walls with pink accents on the plinth and quoins, stands out for its prominent gabled main facade, with a perfect arch portal in stonework, topped by a salient cornice. Laterally, an unusual rectangular bell tower rises, accessed by an exterior stone staircase, an architectural solution that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Inside, in a single space, the floor is covered with basalt slabs and red tile. Noteworthy are a gilded and polychrome carved altarpiece, framing an oil painting of Saint Lawrence, and a wooden ceiling lining with a double-pitched roof, a less common detail in the region.
Beyond its historical and architectural value, the Chapel of São Lourenço holds a curiosity that makes it even more unique. Its bell tower houses a bell with a peculiar history: it is said to have been recovered from a shipwreck. This piece, which may one day have sounded to alert sailors or celebrate arrivals, now announces religious ceremonies in the tranquility of Eirinhas, adding a layer of maritime mysticism to this place of faith.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 32.7737922,-17.2302001
Coordinates DMS: 32°46'25.7"N 17°13'48.7"W