Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Santarém > Alcanena > Moitas Venda > Covão do Feto
The Chapel of Santa Marta is situated in an elevated position, atop one of the peaks of the Serra d'Aire mountain range, in the Covão do Feto area, belonging to the locality of Moitas Venda, in the municipality of Alcanena. This privileged location offers panoramic views over the surrounding valley and a vast area of the municipality. The site stands out for its tranquility and natural setting, away from the urban environment, which gives it a serene character conducive to contemplation.
Built in 1613 and restored in 1879, the Chapel of Santa Marta was, for centuries, a significant pilgrimage site. Until the 19th/20th century, it attracted faithful, especially on Ascension Thursday, a municipal holiday in Alcanena. This place also served as a retreat for hermits seeking seclusion and devotion. The history of the hill where the chapel stands goes back even further in time, with the classification of an important Castro, an ancient settlement, located at the top of the hill, awaiting exploration.
The chapel features a simple interior, designed for prayer and reflection, without elaborate adornments. Its most distinctive element is the triumphal arch covered in tiles, which adds a touch of color to the space. It depicts a Baroque panel symbolizing Saint Martha treading on a dragon, reflecting her traditional iconography. Saint Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus, is a biblical figure venerated in Catholicism, being the patron saint of cooks and homemakers. Her feast day is July 29.
The Cabeço de Santa Marta (Santa Marta's Hilltop) is a place rich in oral traditions and legends. It is said that Saint Martha herself appeared "in flesh and soul" in a nearby grotto, making the site a point of particular mysticism. One of the most curious legends involves a hole inside the chapel: popular tradition says that whoever puts their head in it will have luck in finding a husband or wife. There are also narratives about the presence of hermits linked to ancient fertility cults in the region, which underlines the historical and cultural depth of this space.
Visiting the Chapel of Santa Marta means immersing oneself in an atmosphere of peace and silence. The gentle breeze and the birdsong are the only sounds that break the quiet, providing an experience of deep connection with nature. This is an ideal place for those seeking a moment of contemplation, meditation, or simply a tranquil refuge to read or reflect. The natural surroundings and the vast landscape invite calm and introspection.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.4930803,-8.6669943
Coordinates DMS: 39°29'35.1"N 08°40'1.2"W
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