The chapel dates back to the 16th century, though most of its original structure was rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake, with further alterations carried out during its expansion through the early 20th century until 1965.

However, certain elements have been preserved, such as the stone arch in the presbytery and the main altar dedicated to Our Lady of the Incarnation, the town’s patron saint.

In 2009, a transformative renovation began under the guidance of visual artist Lídia Rodrigues, who was invited by then parish priest Father José Nunes. Her initial tasks were to halt the spread of saltpetre into the chapel, battered by the rigours of the sea, and to restore the church’s religious character through contemporary sacred art.

She then moved forward with a far more ambitious project, developed in phases over 11 years, uniting the beauty of artistic expression with the transcendent and spiritual, culminating in 2020.

Those who wish to visit can now explore a meditative space enriched by 34 painted panels encompassing the entire history of Salvation – 20 depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary, seven portraying Creation, and seven reflecting the Apocalypse – alongside an image of the Risen Christ at the altar’s centre.

The vertical paintings, which elevate the viewer’s gaze and thought, are split by the rectangular slits of custom-stained-glass windows designed to complement the biblical narrative.

This project’s inauguration was delayed due to the covid-19 pandemic, but it has since attracted worshippers from all over the world and continues to fulfil its mission of inviting those who pass by on a journey to encounter God.