Chapel of the Misericórdia of Porto Santo

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Madeira > Porto Santo > Vila Baleira > Matas

Location

Located in the Matas area, in the village of Vila Baleira, the Chapel of Misericórdia of Porto Santo stands on an elevated platform. This dominant position offers an interesting perspective over the surrounding urban area, combining architectural design with the beauty of the island landscape.

The complex is surrounded by a spacious churchyard, paved with cobblestones that form decorative patterns, including semicircles and a checkered design. This outdoor space, complemented by a palm tree, invites a moment of tranquility and observation of the calm environment that characterizes this part of the island.

A History of Resilience

The Chapel of Misericórdia of Porto Santo has its roots in the mid-16th century, when the local Holy House of Mercy was founded. Throughout its long existence, the chapel and the adjacent building suffered various vicissitudes, including damage resulting from an Algerian attack in 1617. However, the structure demonstrated resilience, undergoing significant reconstructions and reforms, especially in the 18th century, under the guidance of Master Domingos Rodrigues Martins.

Its history is marked by a path of adaptation and preservation, reflecting the importance of the charitable institution that built it. At the end of the 20th century, between 1998 and 1999, the complex underwent a general rehabilitation, ensuring its integrity and continuity for future generations.

Architecture and Unique Elements

The Chapel of Misericórdia stands out for its modest but harmonious scale, integrating into the particularities of the region's religious architecture. It features a floor plan composed of a nave and a chancel, the latter slightly narrower and lower. The main facade, oriented to the west, is marked by a perfect arch portal, crafted from local stonework, and is topped by a simple rectangular window above which the crowned national coat of arms is displayed.

Next to the chapel, a small two-story building, which once housed the Misericórdia, includes a simple bell tower with a perfect arch. Inside, visitors will find a coffered ceiling, with wooden panels painted white. The triumphal arch, which separates the nave from the chancel, is also made of Porto Santo stonework and reveals a noteworthy artistic detail: a unique keystone bearing carved instruments of the Passion.

The Refinement of the High Altar Retable

The artistic heart of the chapel lies in its high altar retable, a remarkable example of Rococo art. This retable, believed to have been created between 1780 and 1790, features a structure of gilded carving and marble effects, with columns framing carved medallions. The back wall, against which the retable is set, is painted in shades of blue and decorated with trompe l'oeil draperies, creating an illusion of depth and theatricality.

Although the central niche, which would originally have housed a canvas, is currently awaiting restoration, the retable retains its grandeur and beauty. Decorative elements, such as the carved and gilded volutes and a heart-shaped medallion, contribute to the aesthetic richness of the ensemble, inviting contemplation of the artistic details that enrich this place of worship.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt