Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte stands on the eastern tip of Mozambique Island, next to Fort São Sebastião, facing the Indian Ocean.

Portuguese sailors constructed this religious building in 1522, establishing it as the oldest European structure in the entire Southern Hemisphere.

The chapel features Manueline architectural elements, including vaulted ceilings and maritime decorative motifs that represent Portuguese maritime expansion during the 16th century.

Visitors access the chapel through Fort São Sebastião's entrance, where guides provide information about the structure's architecture and historical importance.

The stone walls of this coastal chapel carry the sounds of ocean waves, which resonate through the building during religious ceremonies.

Location: Island of Mozambique

Inception: 1522

Architectural style: Manueline

Part of: Island of Mozambique

GPS coordinates: -15.02890,40.74458

Latest update: March 2, 2025 21:53