Ermida de Nossa Senhora do Repouso

Ermida de Nossa Senhora do Repouso is a small chapel in Faro built into the Arco do Repouso, one of the old gateways into the city. It is a quiet corner of the Algarve where legend about King Afonso III meets the region's baroque-era heritage.

Where is the chapel and how do you find it?

The chapel stands on Rua do Repouso in Faro (postcode 8000-302), within the old town. Because it is part of the gateway, it is easy to walk past without noticing: you pass it when entering or leaving the historic centre. It pairs well with a stroll along the old walls and lanes.

Why is it called "Repouso", or rest?

The name comes from tradition. According to legend, after taking Faro from the Moors in 1249, King Afonso III rested on this very spot. During his rest, an image of Our Lady is said to have appeared to him, starting a devotion to that figure that dates back, by tradition, to the 13th century. The Portuguese word "repouso" simply means rest.

What is the history of the building?

The present chapel was built in 1709, replacing a niche that already stood here. Tradition links its founding to the king's vow of thanksgiving after capturing the city. Queen Mariana of Austria became its protector and on 15 September 1710 granted the city council a certain revenue to support worship there.

In 1730 the master bricklayer Teodósio Pereira adjusted the facade, giving it an appearance similar to the original facade of the Church of São Francisco. The chapel was rebuilt in 1802. Inside it still holds the image of Saint George, which used to appear in the Corpus Christi procession.

What is worth seeing?

• The chapel facade set into the Arco do Repouso.
• The arch itself, part of the city's old defensive entrances.
• The atmosphere of the surrounding old-town streets in Faro.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a large site? No, it is a small chapel, so a visit takes only a few minutes. It works best as a stop during a walk through the old town.

Who founded it? Tradition credits King Afonso III with the impulse, while the building itself dates from 1709.

Is it tied to a particular event? Yes, to the legend of the king's rest and the appearance of the image of Our Lady after the city's capture in 1249.

Where exactly is it? On Rua do Repouso in Faro, at the site of the former city gateway.

Ermida de Nossa Senhora do Repouso shows how history, legend and everyday architecture share a single street in Faro. For anyone interested in Algarve heritage it is a short but rewarding stop, and its position inside the gateway means you visit almost in passing, during an ordinary walk between monuments. Take a closer look at the facade and the arch to see how the structure was altered over the centuries to suit the community, and wander into the side streets, which keep the calm, unhurried character of old Faro.