The chapels of Bustelo most clearly illustrate the different historical milestones of the area. In 1881, a complete renovation and a historic opening took place; the Capela Nova de Santo António was built in 1966. This religious focus is complemented by the early glass industry in the concelho of Oliveira de Azeméis and the Rota dos Sentidos, which focuses on visual perception. Bostelo thus offers both religious and industrial themes for exploring its cultural history.
Chapels and their historical milestones
The Capela Nova de Santo António in Bustelo was built in 1966 and officially opened for worship on 2 October of that year. Inside are two plaques bearing the names of the benefactors who helped fund its construction. The exact date places the opening within 1966; the plaques also draw attention to those who supported the building project.
The Capela de Bustelo is one of the two centres of worship in the parish of São Roque. The Capela de Santo António was completely renovated in 1881; the Capela Velha de Santo António was opened to the public in the same year. These two distinct historical events can be compared with the story of the Capela Nova, built and opened for worship in 1966: renovation, historic opening and new construction make for a clear chronological comparison.
If you are interested in the religious history of the area, the names and dates offer several specific points of reference. The Capela de Bustelo is identified as a centre of worship within the parish of São Roque, while the details for 1881 and 1966 record specific building changes. This makes it possible to explore the history through more than a single building or date.
Glassmaking history and the Rota dos Sentidos
The first glass factories in the concelho of Oliveira de Azeméis were located in São Roque, more specifically in Bustelo. This identifies both the connection with the concelho and the specific location. Glassmaking is therefore a distinct focus in the industrial history of Bustelo, alongside the chapels and their religious architectural history.
Another cultural point of interest is the Rota dos Sentidos. The former headquarters of the Sindicato dos Vidreiros do Norte in Bustelo is the first section of this route dedicated to visual perception. The space is designed as a place open to the community and intended to host exhibitions. This section of the route connects the former union headquarters with a focus on seeing and exhibitions. This gives you two distinct perspectives on the area's history: the early glass industry and a cultural space centred on visual perception.
Pilgrimage tradition and feast-day dedications
The Peregrinação Vicarial takes place every 25 years. This cycle provides a different point of reference from the chapel dates: it describes a recurring pilgrimage tradition rather than a building project.
At festivals in Bustelo, Saint Anthony and Nossa Senhora de Fátima are honoured. Together with the Peregrinação Vicarial, these feast-day dedications add religious traditions to the accounts of chapels and centres of worship. The cultural themes can thus be distinguished: sacred architectural history, industrial heritage, visual perception and religious events.
Discover more destinations: Pindelo, Oliveira De Azemeis, Cesar, São Roque, Palmaz, Ossela.
Return to the main travel overview: Oliveira De Azeméis.
