Chapel of Our Lady of Hope

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > São João Novo

Location

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança (Our Lady of Hope) is located in the heart of Porto, in the São João Novo area, a place steeped in history. Situated on a corner, between the picturesque Escadas do Caminho Novo (New Path Steps) and Rua de Tomás Gonzaga, this small chapel stands out due to its elevated position.

Its location, on the boundaries of the ancient Fernandine Wall, places it right in the historical center, just steps away from Largo de São João Novo, integrating it into an urban setting that evokes the city's past.

Historical Roots and Symbolism

Built between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança has its roots in the deep devotion of the local community. It was initially erected as an oratory, in veneration of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of Conception), later adopting the invocation of Nossa Senhora da Esperança (Our Lady of Hope).

Its construction was partly due to the residents' desire for a place of worship after the demolition of a section of the old wall. Historically, the chapel was linked to a brotherhood that animated the surrounding streets, namely Tomás Gonzaga and Rocha Soares, with the traditional São João street festival, and Largo de São João Novo was even known as Largo de Nossa Senhora da Esperança.

The Simple Architecture

This chapel features architecture with simple lines and a rectangular, single-nave plan. Its main façade, facing north, is accessed by a staircase with opposing flights, giving it a distinctive presence.

The straight lintel portal, surmounted by a glazed niche housing the image of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, is flanked by inverted volutes and pinnacles, with a triangular pediment cut by a cross. The wooden door displays a discreet anchor symbol on its upper part. On the side façade, facing the Escada do Caminho Novo, two bells are suspended above the eaves, and the iron railings protecting the access stairs date back to 1892.

The Interior and Artistic Details

Inside the chapel, the space is characterized by its single nave and a small wooden choir, located on the Epistle side. The main altarpiece, on the opposite side, is a notable example of carved wood, presented gilded and painted white, with a central niche highlighting the image of Nossa Senhora da Esperança. Above, a corbel supports the image of Santa Luzia (Saint Lucy).

Complementing the ensemble, there are polychrome wooden images of São Joaquim (Saint Joachim) and Santo António (Saint Anthony). The stuccoed ceiling is adorned with a central medallion. A marble plaque on the wall opposite the entrance perpetuates the memory of a benefactor of the brotherhood, dated 1910, underlining its continuous connection to the community.

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