Capela do Corpo Santo (Chapel of the Holy Body), Funchal

Capela do Corpo Santo (Chapel of the Holy Body), Funchal

The Chapel of the Holy Body (Capela do Corpo Santo) is a 15th-century religious building situated at the end of the old village of Funchal. This chapel was built in honor of Saint Pedro Gonçalves Telmo, the patron saint of fishermen, also known as the "Corpo Santo".

The Chapel of the Holy Body boasts exquisite decorations such as ceiling paintings, gilded carved wood altars, and sculptures that are designed in the Manueline style. The chapel has a gabled façade and a Gothic doorway, the only original feature that remains. In the 16th century, the chapel underwent significant modifications, including a remodeled altar and the addition of window slits. Some of the aisle altar paintings from this period are credited to Fernao Gomes, a renowned royal painter.

The main altar paintings in the Chapel of the Holy Body are likely from another painting workshop and bear inscriptions dated 1615 and 1616 in the scenes depicting the Patron Saint's life and musician angels.

The chapel served as the center of an important confraternity, providing humanitarian aid, loaning money, and helping the widows of the membership. Additionally, it functioned as an infirmary for local fishermen and their families.

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Capela do Corpo Santo (Chapel of the Holy Body) on Map

Sight Name: Capela do Corpo Santo (Chapel of the Holy Body)
Sight Location: Funchal, Portugal (See walking tours in Funchal)
Sight Type: Religious

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