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Sintra (São Martinho)

Chapel of Janas

Sintra (São Martinho)

Chapel of Janas

Highlight • Religious Site

Chapel of Janas

Name: Chapel of Janas
Rating: 2

Recommended by 11 cyclists

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais

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Location: Sintra (São Martinho), Lisbon, Portugal

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Top cycling routes to Chapel of Janas

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1. Azenhas do Mar – Chapel of Janas loop from Algueirão-Mem Martins

43.0km

03:22

490m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2. Azenhas do Mar – Chapel of Janas loop from Almoçageme

50.8km

03:11

520m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3. Sunset View at Colares Beach – Chapel of Janas loop from Algueirão-Mem Martins

41.1km

03:07

690m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips

Carlos Martins

July 3, 2020

Unusual Chapel

Translated by Google •

Jorge Ramos 🇧🇷

November 25, 2025

The Chapel of São Mamede de Janas is a unique rural temple located in the village of Janas, in the municipality of Sintra. It stands out for its unusual circular plan, a rare feature in Portuguese religious architecture, and for being the center of local festivities that blend ancient Christian and pagan traditions.

Main Characteristics
Circular Architecture: The chapel has a distinctive circular shape, with a surrounding porch, which develops around a central altar supported by six columns. Its structure is of plastered masonry and stonework.

Historical Heritage: It is believed that the chapel was built in the 16th century, or even earlier, and the toponym "Janas" itself may be linked to the previous existence of a temple dedicated to the Roman god Janus.

Events and Traditions
Feast of São Mamede: The chapel is the central point of an annual festival in honor of São Mamede, held on August 17th.

Blessing of the Cattle: One of the most notable rituals of the festival is the rare blessing of the cattle, a legacy of cults and rituals much older than the Christian ones. In the past, the animals would even enter the chapel, reflecting ancient customs possibly linked to the cult of Diana.

Location:
The Chapel of Janas is situated in a secluded and tranquil area, near Azenhas do Mar, and is a point of interest for hiking and cycling routes in the Sintra region.

It is a place of great cultural and historical interest, preserving ancestral traditions and possessing a unique architecture in Portugal.

Translated by Google •

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Details

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Elevation 190 m

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Wednesday 10 December

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Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

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Location: Sintra (São Martinho), Lisbon, Portugal

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Chapel of Janas

1. Azenhas do Mar – Chapel of Janas loop from Algueirão-Mem Martins

2. Azenhas do Mar – Chapel of Janas loop from Almoçageme

3. Sunset View at Colares Beach – Chapel of Janas loop from Algueirão-Mem Martins

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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