Our Lady of Grace Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Madeira > Porto Santo > Vila Baleira > Casinhas

Location:

The Chapel of Our Lady of Grace is located in the Casinhas area, a tranquil part of the town of Vila Baleira, in Porto Santo. It is situated in a position that allows for observation of the surrounding landscape. From here, views over the island's bay unfold, complementing the visit with a visual backdrop of the coast.

Age of the Temple:

This chapel stands out as one of the oldest places of worship built in Porto Santo. Documents indicate it existed before 1533, positioning it as one of the island's first temples. Throughout the centuries, despite having suffered from the passage of time and historical events (having been rebuilt in 1951 after being damaged), its presence maintains an important link to the community's past.

Connection to the Island's History:

The Chapel of Our Lady of Grace is intrinsically linked to the historical experience of Porto Santo's inhabitants. In times of uncertainty and danger, particularly during pirate raids that affected the island, this temple served as a refuge and shelter for many of its residents. This historical function gives it a special meaning of protection and resilience.

The Festival of Our Lady of Grace:

Annually, the Chapel is the focal point of one of Porto Santo's most heartfelt and well-attended celebrations. On August 15th, the festival in honor of Our Lady of Grace, the patron saint of the temple, is celebrated. It is a moment of faith and fellowship that attracts the community and island visitors, reflecting the Chapel's cultural and religious importance to the people of Porto Santo.

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