Chapel of the Hermitage

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Matosinhos > Senhora da Hora > Picoutos

Location

The Ermida Chapel is situated in a quiet residential area, in the Picoutos zone. It is integrated into the urban fabric of Senhora da Hora, Matosinhos municipality, marking a point of reference in Largo da Ermida, a space that invites observation of its architecture in a more secluded setting of the parish.

Memory and Dedication

This chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Conception. In the past, it played a very important role for the community, serving as the Mother Church of São Mamede de Infesta while the current main church was being built. Its existence in the village may have influenced the name "São Mamede da Ermida", which appears in documents from the 17th and 18th centuries. There are indications suggesting that, before the chapel, a hermitage might have existed on the site, connected to a monastery.

Architectural Testimony

The Ermida Chapel reflects the passage of time in its structure. The building underwent a significant restoration in 1804, which allowed it to preserve its essence. Later, in the early 20th century, the tower was built, an element that altered and complemented its exterior image, giving it a more prominent presence in the local landscape.

Legacy and Atmosphere

For visitors, the Ermida Chapel offers direct contact with a part of Matosinhos' history. It represents an architectural and cultural legacy that has withstood time, symbolizing a point of faith and identity for the area. Its atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle, provides a moment of calm, inviting contemplation of its historical value and appreciation of its simplicity. It is a place that, in its discretion, tells a part of the history of a people and their heritage.

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