Capela de Nossa Senhora do Loreto – a historic chapel in Arco da Calheta, Madeira

Capela de Nossa Senhora do Loreto is a historic chapel in Arco da Calheta, part of the Calheta municipality on Madeira's west coast. It is regarded as one of the most interesting religious buildings in this part of the island and holds the status of a monument of public interest.

Where is the chapel and how do you get there?

The chapel stands in the parish of Arco da Calheta on the island's west coast, at roughly 32.719° N, 17.158° W. Driving is the easiest way to reach it, since this is one of the less densely built-up areas of Madeira. It fits neatly into a day exploring the wider Calheta municipality.

What is the history of the chapel?

Construction is thought to have started around 1510. It began as the private chapel of the estate of Pedro Gonçalves da Câmara, son of the second captain of Funchal. A marble Renaissance holy water font was added a little later, in 1530, and it still adorns the interior.

What does the architecture look like?

The building blends Manueline features with revivalist elements. It has a longitudinal plan and a single nave. The revivalist character shows most clearly in the wide, open rectangular porch on the main façade, held up by marble columns with Corinthian capitals.

What can you see inside?

The walls carry small paintings of the Stations of the Cross. The octagonal Mudéjar-style alfarje ceiling stands out, painted white and blue with white and gilded rope-like motifs. The 1530 font is among the oldest furnishings.

Why visit?

It is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in sacred architecture and the early settlement history of Madeira. The chapel shows how late Gothic, Renaissance and Mudéjar influences met on the island in the early 1500s. A visit takes little time, so it sits well on a west-coast route.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Capela de Nossa Senhora do Loreto? In Arco da Calheta, in the Calheta municipality on Madeira's west coast, Portugal.

When was it built? Construction is dated to around 1510, with the font added in 1530.

What style is it? It combines Manueline and revivalist elements, with a Mudéjar-style ceiling inside.

Is it a protected monument? Yes, it is classified as a monument of public interest.

Should I check opening hours before visiting? Yes. As a working place of worship it may open irregularly, so ask locally or at the Calheta tourist office.