Chapel of São João da Ramalha

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Setúbal > Almada > Pragal > Ramalha

Location

Located in the Ramalha area, in the locality of Pragal, Almada, the Chapel of São João da Ramalha stands on a gentle slope. Although integrated into a consolidated urban environment, it stands out as an isolated element, creating a contrast with the modern buildings that surround it and rise in height, offering a visual point of interest for those traversing the area.

History and Origins

The Chapel of São João da Ramalha is part of the historic Quinta da Ramalha (Ramalha Estate), whose roots date back to the 15th century. Initially known as Quinta das Farinhas (Farinhas Estate), the property adopted its current name from the 18th century onwards, a designation associated with the centuries-old procession dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The original oratory, built in 1456 by Fernão Gomes and Mécia Vasques Farinha, was the starting point for the religious significance of this place, which became a hub of devotion and tradition over the centuries. The area surrounding the estate itself reveals a much older human occupation, with archaeological traces dating back to the Epipaleolithic and Neolithic periods, highlighting the historical depth of the site.

Architecture and Visual Details

The chapel harmoniously integrates into the Quinta da Ramalha complex, which comprises the main house, the courtyard, and the entrance portico, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Its portal stands out, adorned with blue and white tiles, where the image of Saint John the Baptist is located. The chapel's facade features a Mannerist and Baroque style, with classical forms evident in its simplicity and straight lines. On the exterior, a tombstone can be observed, which was once placed on the ogival door and is now on the side wall, testifying to the adaptations the building underwent over time. Atop the adjoining residence, a bell tower with pinnacles rises, lending a distinctive touch to the complex. Its single-nave interior conveys a sense of unity and welcome.

Agricultural and Festive Tradition

The symbolism of the Chapel of São João da Ramalha is deeply connected to the festivities of Saint John the Baptist, particularly its annual pilgrimage. This celebration has a strong connection to agriculture and the popular belief that the saint favors harvests. The tradition includes a procession in which the image of Saint John the Baptist is carried from the main church to the chapel, where it stays overnight before returning the next day. On this return journey, the saint's image is adorned with a crown of the first fruits harvested in Ramalha and decorated with grapes, a gesture that underscores the community's ancient bond with the land and gratitude for nature's gifts, reinforcing the cultural identity of the place.

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