Chapel of Saint Sebastian

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Portalegre > Portalegre > Fortios

Location

The Chapel of Saint Sebastian is located in the peaceful locality of Fortios, belonging to the municipality of Portalegre. It is situated in an environment that combines urban and rural elements, isolated in Largo do Mártir Santo, facing a cobbled street where local traffic passes. In its immediate vicinity, one can observe, on one side, a small private garden with a loquat tree, and on the other, a dwelling. Behind the chapel, the landscape opens up to an olive grove area, giving it a serene and characteristic Alentejo setting.

A Centenary History

This chapel, also known locally as Chapel of the Holy Martyr or Church of Saint Sebastian, is a testament to the faith and architecture of past centuries. Its original construction dates back to the late 16th or early 17th century, reflecting the ancient desire of Fortios' inhabitants to have their own place of worship. Throughout the 18th century, the building underwent significant renovations that shaped its current appearance, integrating architectural elements of the period. Currently, its importance is recognized, with the property in the process of classification for heritage protection and enhancement.

Architectural Features

Upon observing the Chapel of Saint Sebastian, its main facade, facing south, immediately stands out. It presents an interesting composition, divided into two sections. In the nave section, the entrance is marked by a granite portico, with straight moldings, above which rises a painted masonry cornice. Above, a recessed quadrangular window, also with painted moldings, illuminates the interior. The facade's finish is particularly singular: a gable with volutes and protruding corbels, crowned by a cross. A curious detail lies in the old bell tower which, at some point between the 19th and 20th centuries, was blocked up, that is, closed off, leaving a visible trace of its history in the structure.

The Interior and Its Details

Inside, the chapel reveals a differentiated space, composed of a single nave and a chancel. The ceiling, in massera stucco, is adorned with plaster moldings and rosettes, which extend to the choir loft and the chancel. The floor is covered with mosaic, contributing to the space's welcoming atmosphere. In the choir loft, there is a simple metal railing. In the sub-choir, two granite basins stand out: one for holy water, in the shape of a scallop shell, and a circular and smooth baptismal font. The masonry pulpit, in the nave, is decorated with white shell motifs on a dry green background. The rectangular chancel houses a wooden main altarpiece, with three panels, richly decorated with vegetal motifs and shell motifs in gilded carving on a beige background, a true invitation to contemplation.

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