Capelinha de São Vicente

A small church at the base of a large rocky hill with a cross on top, overlooking the ocean at sunset. The scene includes a bridge over water, seagulls flying in the sky, and a few people near the church.

I’m delighted to show you a painting of a lovely chapel in São Vicente, my hometown in Madeira, Portugal. This chapel is a landmark of the town and a place that is close to my heart. I used to have fun there with my sister every Sunday afternoon, while my auntie, who looked after the chapel, and my grandmother, her sister, would do their work. They would often relax and chat, enjoying the view and the sunset behind the mountains. I’ve always dreamed of painting this scene and I finally did it.

This chapel was built around 1692 next to a piece of basalt rock. It is one of the most iconic images of the northern part of Madeira. Some people say that the chapel was built where the martyr Saint Vincent appeared, who is also the patron saint of the town.

A small white chapel at the base of a large rocky hill with an Irish cross on top, near a bridge over water at sunset, with birds flying in the sky and a few clouds.
Two people sitting outside a small white chapel with a dark roof, next to a large rocky cliff at sunset, with candles and flowers inside.