Chapel of Our Lady of Good Voyage, Ericeira

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem and Santo António stands in a small courtyard with a privileged view over the Atlantic, in the centre of Ericeira. Some say that the building actually delimits the northern part of the town from the southern part.

The chapel's foundation is shrouded in mystery, with few printed records throughout history. There is evidence that it was built at the same time as the parish church (14th or 15th century), but there are no material remains from that period. In 1609 it was the headquarters of the Confraternity of Our Lady of the Good Voyage of the Men of the Sea. It wasn't until 1645 that it became the place of worship it is recognised as today.

The chapel underwent several extensions and renovations over time before becoming the building that stands next to Fisherman's Beach and dates back to the 17th century. There are engravings on the doors that mark the year 1644 as the first year in which improvements were made; exactly two centuries later, in 1844, it was remodelled at the behest of the last mayor; at the beginning of the 20th century, further remodelling took place; and in 1993, the carving, painting and gilding of the altarpiece were restored.