Our Lady of Amparo Chapel, viewpoint and butterfly

Share Image

At the top of Sra. do Amparo hill (246 m) is the old Chapel of St. Brissos today Chapel of Our Lady of Amparo, with baroque and folk architecture, characteristic of the popularization of shapes in vogue in Alentejo during the 18th century. According to the legend, St. Brissos and St. Barão were brothers, born in Mértola, and S. Brissos would have received the remarkable title of Bishop of Évora.

The first reports of a temple here are from 1565, by D. Rodrigo Meneses gentleman of the royal house, general visitor of the Order of Santiago, which registered a poor and very small construction. In the old days, people use to say the chapel was "very old and had many pilgrimages". St. Brissos cult lost importance and, from the 17th century on, the saint is sharing the altar with Our Lady of Amparo which cult began to gain importance. Currently, this chapel has two images - one of Our Lady of Amparo; and another of Our Lady of Mount Carmel - and none of St. Brissos. Recently, during reconstruction works  a terracotta image of St. Brissos was found.

In May (the date changes every year) participate in Our Lady of Amparo celebrations.

From the top, privileged viewpoint to contemplate the landscape, it can be seen, on the north side, two rocky outcrops: Guizo Pequeno; and Guizo Grande. At the base of the hill is a small reservoir, interesting for birdwatching (waders). This hill is a reference to the observation of several species of butterflies, during Spring and Summer perhaps because males move to the tops trying to find butterflies females beyond their territories.