Capela de Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Jardim do Mar
The Capela de Nossa Senhora da Piedade is a historic 18th-century chapel located in Jardim do Mar, Madeira. It is an integral part of the Solar de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, a private country estate notable for its striking, bright pink facade.
History and Founding
The chapel was originally founded in 1736 by João de Couto Cardoso. Nearly a century later, in 1825, it underwent a significant rebuilding and expansion project overseen by his successor, Francisco João de Vasconcelos Couto Cardoso.
The chapel and the surrounding Quinta da Piedade served as the residence for the last "morgados," or holders of entailed estates, in Jardim do Mar. This system of land ownership, which concentrated property within a single prominent family, was established in the area during the 16th century by a son of Joanes de Couto Cardozo.
A Temporary Parish Church
Around 1921, the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Piedade played a crucial role in the community's spiritual life. It temporarily served as the official parish church for Jardim do Mar. This was necessary during the extensive reconstruction of the main parish church, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário.
Architecture and Features
The chapel is part of a larger Madeiran country house, the Solar de Nossa Senhora da Piedade. The estate is characterized by its vibrant pink exterior, hip roofs adorned with Moorish tiles, and pathways paved with traditional rolled stones known as "calhau rolado."
A local tradition holds that a tiny image of Santo António is revered within the chapel. The image is said to be carved from a sliver of basalt from a rockfall that miraculously spared a walker's life.
Ownership and Status
The Capela de Nossa Senhora da Piedade remains part of the privately owned Quinta da Piedade. The property belongs to the heirs of Francisco João de Vasconcelos do Couto Cardoso, the last holder of the Jardim do Mar entailment. In 2008, the Regional Government of Madeira attempted to expropriate the property to create a community center, but it remains in private hands.
FAQ
When was the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Piedade built?
The chapel was founded in 1736 by João de Couto Cardoso and was later rebuilt and expanded in 1825 by his successor.
Is the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Piedade open to the public?
The chapel is part of the privately owned Quinta da Piedade and is not a public facility. It belongs to the heirs of Francisco João de Vasconcelos do Couto Cardoso.
Why is the chapel pink?
The chapel is an integral part of the Solar de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, a Madeiran country house which features a distinctive bright pink facade.
Was this chapel ever the main church of Jardim do Mar?
Yes, around 1921, the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Piedade temporarily served as the parish church for Jardim do Mar while the main church, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, was being rebuilt.
