Capela Geral da Misericórdia, Chapel in Bonfim, Setúbal, Portugal
The Capela Geral da Misericórdia is a 17th-century chapel in the Bonfim neighborhood of Setúbal, Portugal. Inside, the walls are lined with large-format 18th-century tile panels attributed to the artist known as PMP, alongside gilded wooden carvings in the Baroque style.
The chapel was built in 1669 at the initiative of the priest Diogo Mendes, who was buried inside after his death. Following the 1755 earthquake, parts of the building were reconstructed, which affected some of the original tile panels on the walls.
A Via Sacra route was established in 1728, funded by donations from the faithful, starting at the convent of Jesus and ending at this chapel. A stone inscription on the east wall still marks this tradition today.
The chapel is not always open to visitors, so it is best to call the secretariat of the church of São Julião in advance to arrange a visit. It sits close to the Estádio do Bonfim, making it easy to reach on foot while exploring the neighborhood.
When the stadium was built around the chapel, the building was preserved in place, leaving it today almost hidden in the shadow of the stands. The devotion to Senhor Jesus do Bonfim, which originated here, later spread to Salvador in Brazil, where it became a major religious tradition.
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