In Janas, historical traces from different periods meet a route through the nature park: the Capela de São Mamede is a cultural heritage site and the setting for a continuing Romaria. Archaeological finds and the Vinho de Colares Route add further perspectives to the picture of the place.

Chapel, cultural heritage and Romaria

The Capela de São Mamede de Janas is classified as an imóvel de interesse público (IIP), a property of public interest. Its present form probably dates from the late 16th century. The São Mamede Romaria is still held at the chapel. During it, livestock is ritually led around the temple three times—a distinctive point of interest for travellers interested in religious traditions.

If you would like to plan your trip around the Romaria, check the date in advance. The tradition continues, but this does not mean that specific event dates are fixed. The chapel and the Romaria offer two different historical perspectives: the architecture of the present-day building and a religious custom that is still maintained.

Archaeological traces in Janas

The archaeological crypt of the Ermida de São Mamede is associated with the remains of two earlier Christian temples: one from the Mozarabic period and one from the First Dynasty. The structures were identified during archaeological excavations in the late 1980s. The chapel’s present form and these older structures belong to different historical periods.

Another archaeological site is the Sítio Romano de Janas, on a path between Janas and the Ermida de São Mamede. Archaeological materials from the Roman period were found there. The archaeological evidence at the site therefore varies: here, it consists of Roman finds; at the crypt, it concerns earlier Christian temples; and at the chapel, its form probably dating from the late 16th century.

The Vinho de Colares Route and the landscape

The Vinho de Colares Route passes through Janas and by the circular chapel. The route also places the village within a wider landscape: it runs through an area classified as a nature park and included in the Sintra-Cascais Site of Community Importance in the Natura 2000 network. In Janas, both the individual chapel and the natural landscape and wine-region context are therefore in focus.

When planning your trip, you can give these perspectives different weight: the chapel and the Romaria provide a cultural focus, while the route adds a landscape perspective. If the Romaria is the reason for your trip, its date is a practical point to consider; the route, in turn, offers another thematic way to explore Janas.

Other local points of interest

Work on a religious foundation at Casal da Torre in Janas began after the death of Mestre Henriques in 1449. This date adds another distinct point in time to the historical context of the place.

The Centro Cycling de Janas is housed in the former primary school. Janas is also associated with Bolos da Festa de São Mamede, a traditional pastry from the regional confectionery of Sintra. These local connections are quite different: the former school belongs to the village’s more recent history, while the pastry provides a culinary link to the region.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Janas, you can assess the place through these themes: religious tradition, archaeology, landscape or regional confectionery. This can help you decide which themes you would like to shape your stay, without reducing the different historical and landscape connections to a single attraction.

Discover more destinations: Azenhas Do Mar, Galamares, Praia Das Macas.

Return to the main travel overview: Sintra.