Capela do Senhor Jesus dos Navegantes

Capela do Senhor Jesus dos Navegantes is a small chapel in Paço de Arcos, in the municipality of Oeiras on the Tagus estuary, right next to Lisbon. For generations it has been tied to fishermen and seafarers, and its story runs from a seventeenth-century foundation through the Jesuits and a Lisbon hospital to a nineteenth-century rebuilding.

What is this chapel?

It is a historic ermida, a small chapel dedicated to Christ as protector of sailors. It stands on Travessa da Ermida in Paço de Arcos. Masses are still held here, so it is not merely a heritage site: it continues to serve the local community as a place of worship.

Where does it come from?

The chapel dates from the 17th century. Local sources name Dona Maria Clara de Meneses as its builder. In 1690 it belonged to Dona Tereza Eufrásia de Menezes, who later donated it to the Society of Jesus.

After the Jesuits were expelled from Portugal and the Hospital of All Saints (Hospital de Todos-os-Santos, today Hospital de São José) was nationalised, the chapel passed to that institution in 1782.

Rebuilding in the 19th century

Around 1873 the building was practically abandoned. It was rebuilt with money from the hospital's coffers and some private donations. In September of that year, Paço de Arcos held its first celebrations in honour of the patron, Senhor Jesus dos Navegantes. The first steward of the festivities was Patrão Lopes, a seaman whose notable deeds were linked to the town.

It is believed that after the founding of the Republic the chapel was closed between 1910 and 1928.

Why sailors and fishermen?

The dedication reflects the fishing life of Paço de Arcos. People prayed here so that the sea would spare fishermen its dangers. The patron's image dates from the 1600s. For centuries the town depended on the catch and on the water, so the protection of Christ of the Navigators carried real meaning for residents.

The patron's feast

The celebration of Senhor Jesus dos Navegantes takes place on the last Sunday of August. It is the best time to see how fishing and religious tradition remain alive in Paço de Arcos.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the chapel? In Paço de Arcos, municipality of Oeiras, on Travessa da Ermida, within the Lisbon metropolitan area.

How old is it? It dates from the 17th century and was rebuilt around 1873.

Are services held here? Yes, masses are held in the chapel, and the main feast falls on the last Sunday of August.

Who is the patron? Senhor Jesus dos Navegantes, Christ protector of sailors, venerated by fishermen. His image dates from the 17th century.

Is it worth a visit? If you are strolling through Paço de Arcos and care about local maritime history and popular devotion, it makes a short but rewarding stop. It is a working chapel, so keep quiet and be respectful of worshippers.