Chapel of Our Lady of Nazaré

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Madeira > Funchal > São Martinho > Nazaré

Location

The Chapel of Our Lady of Nazaré is located in the Nazaré area, integrated into the locality of São Martinho, in the municipality of Funchal. Situated in an urban area, it offers a panoramic view over the city and the sea, benefiting from its elevated position. It is preceded by a walled churchyard, a tranquil space that invites observation of the surroundings.

The churchyard, with its cobblestone ground made of rolled pebbles and stone benches, provides a place of rest and contemplation, framed by the chapel's architecture and the urban landscape of Funchal.

A Historical Legacy

The history of this chapel dates back to 1627, the year it was erected at the initiative of Martim Vaz de Caires, a prominent figure in Madeiran society of the time. Over the centuries, the temple remained a point of devotion to Our Lady of Nazaré, an ancient veneration deeply rooted among the Portuguese nobility and navigators, such as D. Manuel I or Vasco da Gama.

Recognizing its patrimonial and cultural value, the Chapel of Our Lady of Nazaré was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1948, highlighting its importance in the context of Madeiran religious architecture.

Architecture and Ambiance

The chapel is an example of 17th-century construction, with a gabled main facade culminating in a cross. The portal features a Mannerist cut, inviting entry with its distinct features. The gabled roof, and the sacristy attached to the north, complement the building's harmonious structure.

Outside, the churchyard is not merely a patio, but an extension of the sacred space, with continuous stone benches surrounding the paved ground, creating a serene environment before accessing the chapel's interior.

The Artistic Treasure of the Tiles

The interior of the Chapel of Our Lady of Nazaré surprises visitors with a remarkable set of narrative tiles, dating from the early 18th century. These blue-on-white pieces completely cover the side walls and the back wall, creating a visually rich and narrative atmosphere.

Among the various panels, the representation of the "Miracle of Our Lady of Nazaré to D. Fuas Roupinho" stands out, a composition attributed to master António de Oliveira Bernardes. This panel, with its vigorous design and luminous blue tones, depicts an imaginary port city, with fortifications, ships, and scenic landscapes. Other scenes include miracles, monastic figures, peasants, and shepherds, all framed by elaborate borders with Baroque and Rocaille motifs, such as acanthus, cherubs, swags, and shells. Their iconographic and artistic richness makes the tiles the highlight of the visit.

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