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.