Chapel of the Fort of S. Filipe

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Setúbal > Viso

Location

The Chapel of S. Filipe Fort is situated atop an elevation, in the Viso area, in Setúbal. Its privileged position allows for enjoying a vast perspective over the city and the serene waters of the Sado River estuary. The surrounding environment is marked by the presence of the fort itself, providing a historical and military setting for the site.

A Treasure of Azulejos

What most distinguishes the Chapel of S. Filipe is its remarkable interior covering. The walls and the barrel vault are entirely covered by panels of polychrome azulejos, authored by Policarpo de Oliveira Bernardes, a master of 18th-century Portuguese azulejo art. These azulejos, predominantly in shades of blue and white, recount the story of Saint Philip's life, offering an unusual and highly valuable artistic visual and narrative experience.

Heritage and Introspection

This small Baroque-style chapel features a set of elements that enrich the visit. In addition to the richness of the azulejos, the space includes an altar in gilded carved wood that complements the interior's aesthetic. The site also houses a collection of sacred art, from the altar to the sacristy, which reflects its long history and the devotion associated with it. Despite its size, the chapel invites tranquility and contemplation, proving to be a point of interest for those who appreciate sacred art and spaces with a deep historical significance.

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