Capela da Nosa Señora das Angustias

Capela da Nosa Señora das Angustias is a small wayside chapel in the municipality of Mos, in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia. It stands right on the Camino Portugués — the Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela — just after pilgrims leave the town of O Porriño along the N-550 road, marking the point where the route crosses into Mos.

How do you get there?

The chapel sits directly on the pilgrim trail between O Porriño and Redondela, on a stage that runs just under 6 kilometers. Walkers following the yellow arrows painted on the pavement pass it almost without trying — it's hard to miss if you're following the Camino north from the Portuguese border. Drivers can reach it easily along the local N-550, which links O Porriño with Mos; the chapel stands right by the roadside.

What will you find there?

This is a modest, single-nave votive chapel, the kind that turns up every few kilometers along Galician pilgrim roads — a resting point rather than a grand monument. It was built in 1551 and has served ever since as a wayside shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows (the Galician word "Angustias" literally means "anguish" or "sorrows"). Next to the chapel stands an information panel explaining the origin of the municipality's name: the surrounding land was once known as "the land of the Moas," which is where the modern name Mos comes from. It's one of the few spots on the route where religious heritage and local place-name history meet in a single stop.

Why stop here?

The chapel isn't a destination in its own right, but it's a well-known landmark for pilgrims and cyclists on the Camino Portugués. Just past it, the route heads toward A Rúa, the historic former capital of the Mos municipality, which is worth a longer pause. For anyone curious about the region's history, the chapel is a small but tangible reminder of how roadside religious architecture has shaped the pilgrim landscape since the mid-16th century.

When should you visit?

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September–October) are the best times, when pilgrim traffic on the Camino Portugués is moderate and Galician weather is mild. Summer sees heavier foot traffic on this stretch, especially in the morning as walkers set out from O Porriño before the heat builds. Winter visits are still possible, but expect the damp, rainy conditions typical of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the chapel? It's a small roadside building, usually closed outside of religious occasions — most visitors experience it from the outside as a waypoint on the trail.

Is there an entrance fee? No. It's not a ticketed attraction — it's a place of worship and a landmark along the pilgrim route, free to see at any time.

How long does it take to walk there from O Porriño? About 15 to 20 minutes on foot, since the chapel lies just outside town along the N-550.

Is it a good place to pause on the Camino? Yes — it's a natural rest stop right after leaving O Porriño, before the route continues on toward A Rúa and Redondela.