Chapel of Saint Anthony

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Valongo > Balsa > Quinta da Balsa

Location

The Chapel of Saint Anthony stands on Quinta da Balsa, an elevated point in the locality of Balsa, integrated into the municipality of Valongo. Its dominant position gives it a unique setting, with a wide landscaped and paved square preceding the main entrance. This space invites moments of tranquility and allows for a broader perspective on the surrounding area, which includes residential zones, cultivated fields, and the contours of the northern mountains.

Access to the chapel is gradual, via a two-flight staircase that harmonizes with the uneven terrain. The surrounding area invites a pause, offering a serene backdrop for the religious building.

Memory and Legacy

Built in the 20th century, this chapel carries a remarkable history of devotion and solidarity. The building we observe today is the result of a significant rebuilding, which took place between 1928 and 1930. This work was driven by the generosity of the Souza Baptista family, whose resources were raised during their stay in Brazil, a country that the temple's interior itself describes as "a land of good and hospitable people". Thus, the chapel is not merely a place of worship, but also a living symbol of cultural ties and community strength.

Architecture and Exterior Details

The Chapel of Saint Anthony features a vernacular religious architectural style, characterized by its simplicity and elegance. The facades, plastered and painted white, stand out in contrast with the stone masonry plinth. The main facade, facing east, is particularly interesting. Its finish in a curved gable, decorated with volutes and vegetal motifs, culminates in a trefoil Latin cross, giving it a distinct identity.

At the center of the facade, a segmental arch portal, framed by an ornate molding, displays a medallion with the date 1929, marking the period of its reconstruction. Above, a uniquely designed window is flanked by two circular oculus windows, which allow natural light to enter and enrich the aesthetic composition of the ensemble.

The Interior Environment and Iconography

Once inside, visitors are enveloped by a welcoming space, where the nave walls are presented in a soft yellow tone, complemented by a marble wainscoting and a mosaic floor creating decorative patterns. The ceiling, a false barrel vault, painted white, provides lightness and spaciousness.

On the stone pulpit, observe the details of golden volutes and vegetal motifs. The 19th-century altarpieces, both the main and the collateral ones, are made of stucco and wood, painted white and highlighted with golden details, following a revivalist aesthetic. However, it is the set of mural paintings covering the nave walls that most captivates attention. Set in medallions, these paintings represent significant moments in the life of Saint Anthony, such as the story of 'The Lost Ring', how he 'Protects Seafarers', the miracle where he 'Heals a Cripple', the famous 'Sermon to the Fish', the 'Veneration of the Horse', and 'The Death of the Saint', inviting a visual interpretation of devotion to the patron saint.

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