Saint Sebastian Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte da Barca > Sampriz > Goes

Location:

The Chapel of São Sebastião is located in the serene urbanization of Goes, in the locality of Sampriz, within the municipality of Ponte da Barca. The site where it stands, a peaceful, landscaped square, offers a tranquil environment, characteristic of the rural outskirts of the town. Positioned to be visible from National Road 101, which connects Braga to Monção, the chapel and its surrounding architectural complex provide a point of interest that reflects the essence of the Minho landscape, surrounded by traditional dwellings and cultivated areas.

Memory and Time:

The history of the Chapel of São Sebastião dates back to the 17th century, with its initial construction dating from 1670, by initiative of the local community. Accompanying the chapel, the stone cross that today forms part of it was erected shortly after, in 1674, bearing witness to the faith of the time. However, the main building underwent a significant rebuilding in 1740, a work funded through donations and alms. The complex currently observed in the square also includes a tower and a fountain, whose origin probably dates to the 18th century. These two elements, however, have a history of displacement, having been moved to this location in Largo de São Sebastião in the mid-20th century, coming from another area of the town. This chronology reveals a heritage that has evolved over centuries, adapting and integrating new landmarks.

Architectural Details:

Built predominantly in granite, the Chapel of São Sebastião exhibits religious architecture that combines Mannerist and Baroque influences. The chapel has a longitudinal plan, with a single nave and a chancel. One of its most characteristic features is the front porch, supported by ten small columns, which invites pause and shelter. Inside this porch, granite benches add a touch of functionality and tradition. The main portal, with a straight lintel, features an inscription documenting the fundamental dates of its construction and rebuilding.

The architectural complex is enriched by the stone cross, in Mannerist style, which stands on a three-step base, with a fluted shaft and a composite capital supporting a Latin cross. The quadrangular tower, of 18th-century inspiration, is another notable element, with its cornices and a stone clock on the upper floor. Finally, the Baroque fountain, built on a semicircular base, completes the scene. Although its original spouts no longer exist, the fountain maintains its imposing structure, with a backrest decorated with vegetal and shell motifs, a testament to the art and hydraulic engineering of past times.

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