Our Lady of Health

Abogado contra la peste · Mouraria (Lisbon)

In the heart of the Mouraria lisboeta, a small chapel keeps Nossa Senhora da Saúde, invoked since the 16th century as a protector against the plague. Its May procession, the "Artillery," is one of the oldest Marian traditions in Lisbon.

Origin and history

In 1505, the artequilleros of the Lisbon garrison ordered, in fulfilment of a promise, to build a chapel dedicated to San Sebastián - held as a protector against the plague - in the Mouraria, then extramuros. The epidemics that ravaged the city multiplied devotion. In 1569 the chapel went on to dedicate itself to Nossa Senhora da Saúde, and in 1662 it received the image of the Virgin on the main altar, adopting this title.

In 1570, after the end of a terrible plague, the gunners began the solemn "Protissão dos Artilheiros," in thanksgiving for the health restored to the city; it is the origin of the current May procession. Damaged by the earthquake of 1755 and then repaired, King Peter V raised it to Royal Chapel in 1861. It preserves a beautiful altarpiece in golden size.