Hermitage of Saint Lawrence

Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage

District: Santarém > Abrantes > São Vicente > Samarra

Location

Located in São Vicente, Abrantes, next to a junction surrounded by pine and olive trees, and near a wooded park where the Festa de São Lourenço (Saint Lawrence Festival) takes place.

Style

This Manueline chapel of popular style has simple but striking architectural details. Elements such as the portal with ornamented frames and the star vault are typical of this style.

Structure

With a longitudinal plan, composed of a rectangular nave and a square chancel, the chapel is small and welcoming. It has a triangular porch supported by heavy pillars and windows with basket-handle arches.

Interior

The single nave has a simple triumphal arch, which gives access to the chancel covered by a star vault. There are altars with niches and Hispano-Arab tiles with traditional geometric patterns, preserving a period atmosphere.

History

The hermitage dates back to the 15th century but was probably rebuilt in the early 16th century. It was initially a place of worship and, around 1569, served as the parish seat of São Vicente while the main church was being built.

Festivities

Every year, on the last Sunday of August, the Festa de São Lourenço (Saint Lawrence Festival) takes place, attracting the local population and visitors to the adjacent grounds.

State of Conservation

Although it is an important tourist attraction, the hermitage shows signs of wear and tear and could benefit from greater preservation, given the number of visitors it receives.

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