Capela de São Pedro, Romanesque chapel near castle walls in Leiria, Portugal.
Capela de Sao Pedro is a Romanesque structure standing near the castle walls of Leiria. Its interior features a single nave decorated with carved capitals and detailed archivolts framing the main entrance.
The building was constructed in 1176 for residents living outside the city walls. It later served as the Bishop's residence before Leiria built its new Cathedral.
The chapel served temporarily as a theater during the 1800s after religious orders were dissolved and the community needed new uses for the building. This transformation shows how local needs shifted over time.
The chapel is located at Largo de Sao Pedro and can be reached by car or on foot. Its proximity to the old town makes it easy to visit alongside other nearby sites.
Restoration work between 1933 and 1937 revealed original architectural elements that established this as the oldest religious building in the city. This recovery of hidden details helped preserve its authentic design and underscored its place in Leiria's past.
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