Monuments

A secular tradition of the city of Lisbon.

The Chapel of Our Lady of Health is located in the Mouraria district, on Rua Martim Moniz, a locale formerly situated outside the city walls of Lisbon.

Built in 1505 by initiative of the artillerymen of the Lisbon garrison, it was dedicated to St. Sebastian, its patron and protector of evils such as war, famine and especially the plague, which had raged in the city and caused hundreds of victims. He was the object of great devotion.

In 1569, it was dedicated to Our Lady of Health and in 1662 welcomed her image, and became known by that name. It underwent works after being damaged by the earthquake of 1755. However, the portal attributed to João Antunes dates from the beginning of the 18th century.

Inside, the single nave, covered with ornamental stuccoed painting, is lined with panels of tiles attributed to the workshop of António de Oliveira Bernardes, which were damaged in the 19th century following the opening of two lateral altars. The main chapel, with vaulting around the edges, decorated with gold, green and white carving, displays the image of the patroness in an oval and vaulted altarpiece.

The Chapel of Our Lady of Health benefited not only the kings, queens and princes, but also noblemen, the military and benefactors. In 1861 D. Pedro V elevated it to the status of Royal Chapel.

Every year, on the first Sunday of May, the procession of thanksgiving for the protection of the Virgin takes place, a tradition that has been repeated since the 16th century.