Chapel of São Frutuoso
- The Chapel of São Frutuoso, also known as Capela de São Frutuoso de Montélios, is a small yet historically significant religious site located in Braga, Portugal. This chapel is one of the finest examples of pre-Romanesque architecture in the country and is considered a rare architectural gem from the Visigothic period, dating back to the 7th century. It was built under the influence of the Kingdom of the Suebi and Visigoths, making it one of the oldest surviving Christian structures in Portugal.
- Originally constructed as part of a monastic complex, the chapel was dedicated to São Frutuoso, a bishop and saint who played a crucial role in spreading Christianity in the Iberian Peninsula. Over the centuries, the chapel has undergone several modifications, including Baroque-style alterations in the 18th century, particularly to its façade and interior decoration. However, its Greek-cross layout, horseshoe arches, and intricate stone carvings still reflect its original Moorish and Byzantine influences.
- Inside, visitors can admire the unique architectural features, including the horseshoe-shaped archways, a characteristic element of Visigothic and Mozarabic architecture. The chapel also houses a small altar and a crypt, believed to have once contained the relics of São Frutuoso himself. Despite its small size, the structure’s historical and artistic value has earned it recognition as a National Monument in Portugal.
- Today, the Chapel of São Frutuoso is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts exploring Braga. Its remarkable preservation and deep historical roots make it a unique insight into the early Christian period of Portugal, bridging the gap between the late Roman, Visigothic, and early medieval eras.