Facho and Chapel of “Senhora da Bonança”

Séc. XVIII

CHAPEL OF “SENHORA DA BONANÇA”

The Chapel of “Senhora da Bonança” is a modest Temple with 18th century architecture although there are signs of subsequent reformulations.
The main façade has a rectangular door with an upper frame and alongside to this there are two little windows.
On the top there is a triangular gable, with a small round window, which is surmounted by a granitic cross between by two pinnacles.
The apse at the head of the chapel presents on the outside a curious niche facing the sea, where according to some reports was placed a statue of Our Lady of Calm Seas.
It is a place where the seamen come to and ask for protection for their fishing activity and sea travels. These prayers usually take the form of acronyms, which are testimonies of popular heraldry or Ex-Vows, pieces of art of a touching naivety for the beauty and emotions they convey.

FACHO OF “BONANÇA”

The Torch served as a lighthouse to navigators until new dunes formed between its location and the coast, rendering it useless. However, while still functioning, it helped many sailors escape the dangerous "Horses of Fão" that would be awaiting any careless boat or inexperienced helmsman in these waters. It is a 16th century building built out of freestone and it has on its façade the royal coat arms.
At the top a cauldron with burning flammable material would create a light that worked as a lighthouse, helping the sailors avoid the dangers, as well as marking point of the port entry. It was abandoned in 1834 and later served as a prison.