Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel
District: Porto > Matosinhos > Leça da Palmeira > Marginal
The Boa Nova Chapel is located in Leça da Palmeira, within the municipality of Matosinhos. Its location is unique, as it stands on a rocky outcrop along the coast, in the maritime zone. This privileged position offers an unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean, harmoniously integrating the building into its surrounding natural and coastal environment.
Records indicate that the Boa Nova Chapel has a history dating back to the 14th century, with mentions of its existence as early as 1369, and being founded by Franciscan friars in 1392. Originally known as the Hermitage of São Clemente das Penhas or Chapel of São João, this site was once part of a small Franciscan monastery established there. Although the original monastery was progressively dismantled over the centuries, the current chapel, rebuilt in the 18th century, remains a testament to its ancient religious presence.
From its earliest days, the Boa Nova Chapel has been intrinsically linked to the community of Leça da Palmeira, especially its fishermen. It served as a reference point for their activities and a place of devotion. The name "Boa Nova" (Good News) has deep roots in local tradition, referring to the time when women would wait on the rocks for the return of ships from distant lands, announcing the "good news" of their relatives' arrival. Throughout history, the chapel also served as a refuge for shipwrecked sailors, solidifying its image as a beacon of hope and protection near the tempestuous sea.
The structure of the Boa Nova Chapel reveals features of 18th-century religious architecture. It presents a rectangular plan, composed of a nave, chancel, and lateral annexes. Its whitewashed facades are framed by granite stonework elements, such as cornerstones and moldings, giving it a simple yet elegant appearance. Inside, visitors can observe a painted and gilded altarpiece in the Joanine style. This altarpiece incorporates columns and three niches with images, with the central figure of Our Lady of Boa Nova, in polychrome wood, being particularly revered by navigators seeking success on their maritime journeys.
The surrounding scenery of the Boa Nova Chapel, with its dominant position over the Atlantic and the presence of rock formations, has always exerted a strong fascination. This landscape has inspired various artists and poets over time. A notable example is the Portuguese poet António Nobre, who immortalized the chapel and its environment in verses in his work "Só," describing it as a "hermitage by the sea" and a "unique flower" in that vast expanse of sands. The chapel invites a moment of contemplation, allowing one to enjoy the grandeur of nature and the serenity of the place.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.203485925, -8.7156331916667
Coordinates DMS: 41°12'12.5"N 08°42'56.3"W
On-duty Pharmacy Leça da Palmeira
