Saint Isidore Chapel Afonsim

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Vila Nova de Gaia > Pedroso > Afonsim

Location:

The Saint Isidore Afonsim Chapel is located within the Afonsim area, a residential zone and integral part of the locality of Pedroso, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia. It is situated within this local community environment.

Origin and History:

This chapel has its roots in a story of faith and promise. It was erected in the 20th century on the initiative of a local resident, João dos Santos Couto, who was a farmer and watchmaker. Its construction resulted from a vow he made, motivated by his daughter's illness, thus marking an important point in the community's devotional history. It was blessed by Father José Domingues de Sousa Cirne, who served Pedroso between 1902 and 1912, placing its inauguration at the beginning of that period.

Building Characteristics:

The chapel is a traditionally built structure, using stone and lime mortar as main materials. It features simple and modest architecture, characteristic of small local devotion chapels. A sacristy, an adjacent space essential for religious functions, is part of the building.

The Interior and the Images:

Upon entering the chapel, one's gaze is drawn to its interior, where a small wooden niche stands out. This niche is painted white and houses the images that are objects of veneration. The images present are made of wood and represent Saint Isidore (the saint to whom the chapel is dedicated), Saint Anthony, and Our Lady of the Conception, important figures in popular devotion.

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