Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage
District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Setúbal > São Julião, Nossa Senhora da Anunciada e Santa Maria da Graça
Situated in the heart of the city of Setúbal, the Hermitage of Our Lady of Livramento is integrated into the historic urban fabric, within the district and municipality of the same name, and in the union of parishes of São Julião, Nossa Senhora da Anunciada and Santa Maria da Graça. Its location reflects the city's intimate connection to the Sado estuary and fishing activity, being close to areas that once bustled with the lives of sailors and fishermen. The building is set within a context that testifies to the evolution of Setúbal, maintaining a discreet but significant presence in the local heritage.
This hermitage, once the chapel of the old confraternity of sailors and fishermen, is a living testament to the deep devotion and ancestral relationship of the Setúbal community with the sea. Its foundation and maintenance by the men of the sea underscore the importance of faith as a refuge and hope against the dangers of the waters. Our Lady of Livramento was the invoked protector, the one to whom lives and livelihoods were entrusted, symbolizing the search for safety and gratitude for every return to dry land. The place served as a spiritual meeting point, where prayers and thanks were offered before and after maritime journeys.
The Hermitage of Our Lady of Livramento presents the sobriety and simplicity characteristic of chapels dedicated to popular devotion, reflecting an unadorned yet significant style. Its exterior, though modest, fits into small-scale religious architecture. However, it is in its "contents" that much of its cultural and artistic value lies. The interior houses elements that narrate the history and faith of its founders. One can observe, among others, an altar with the image of Our Lady of Livramento, possibly enriched with carving or sacred painting, as well as other decorative details, such as tiles or panels that evoke maritime themes or biblical scenes. These artistic and votive elements are an integral part of the hermitage's heritage, preserving the memory of the ancient confraternity.
Beyond its historical and artistic value, the Hermitage of Our Lady of Livramento holds strong symbolism for Setúbal's identity. It represents the resilience and faith of generations of sailors and fishermen who shaped the city's culture and economy. Its preservation is an acknowledgment of the importance of collective memory and the heritage left by those who, over the centuries, lived and worked in communion with the sea. The hermitage is, therefore, a point of reflection on the deep connection between man, faith, and the maritime environment that characterizes Setúbal.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capela_de_Nossa_Senhora_do_Livramento_(Estoril)
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.525203791023735,-8.890857500386284
Coordinates DMS: 38°31'30.7"N 08°53'27.1"W
Weather Setúbal
On-duty Pharmacy Setúbal
