Chapel of Saint Anthony

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Maia > Silva Escura > Cavadinha

Location

The Chapel of Santo António rises in the Cavadinha urbanization, in the peaceful locality of Silva Escura, in the municipality of Maia. It is situated atop what is today known as Monte de Santo António (Saint Anthony's Mount), reaching an elevation of 156 meters. This privileged position offers a leveled platform in the churchyard, which extends across a wide, gravel-paved space, providing unobstructed views to the west.

The main access to the chapel is via a staircase that starts from Rua de Santo António (Saint Anthony's Street). The surroundings of the churchyard, delimited by a stone wall, are also enhanced by the presence of a large and ancient cork oak, recognized for its cultural and historical value.

A Legacy of Faith and Miracle

The history of the Chapel of Santo António is deeply linked to an ancient popular belief, dating back to the first half of the 18th century. It is said that, on one occasion, a farmer transporting a barrel of wine in a ox-drawn cart, crossing the old royal road in Silva Escura, faced a dramatic incident. Due to the uneven ground, the barrel apparently slipped, unbalancing the cart and putting the animals at risk of asphyxiation. Desperate, the farmer and his boy implored Saint Anthony.

Oral tradition narrates that the Saint appeared and, miraculously, the barrel straightened, the cart leveled, and the journey could continue. To perpetuate this event, a niche was built at the site of the prodigy. Driven by the people's faith, the community decided, around 1770, to build a chapel on the hilltop in honor of Saint Anthony, changing the name of the old Monte do Calvário (Calvary Mount) to Monte de Santo António.

Architecture and Simplicity

Built in the 18th century, the Chapel of Santo António presents religious architecture that stands out for its simplicity and elegance. With a rectangular plan and a single body, the building is covered by a gabled roof. The facades are plastered and painted white, highlighted by a discreet plinth.

On the main facade, facing west, there are Tuscan pilasters at the corners, crowned by pinnacles. A triangular pediment tops the facade, surmounted by a cross. The portal, with a straight lintel, is framed in granite, and above it, an oculus with an iron grate allows light to enter. The sobriety of the forms and the combination of white with granite give the temple a serene and traditional appearance.

Traditions on the Mount

Monte de Santo António is a place that, since time immemorial, has been the scene of manifestations of devotion and tradition. Even before the construction of the chapel, this mount was a point of ancient cults, with its legends passed down from generation to generation. Its nature as a viewpoint, with its sweeping views, has always contributed to its spiritual significance.

One of the most striking traditions associated with the place, and which reflects its pre-Christian heritage, involves the circulation of livestock. During the festivities, farmers and breeders would lead their animals to circle the chapel counter-clockwise, a gesture that recalls the cult of Diana, a goddess protector of herds and young animals. This practice underlines the deep connection of the chapel and the mount to the region's cultural and agrarian roots.

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