Versão portuguesa aqui.

GPS 32.64759090284613, -16.89992886500116

Capela do Corpo Santo is a 15th century chapel located at the end of the old town of Funchal (Rua D. Carlos I 64, 9060-051 Funchal, Portugal). It is dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen, São Pedro Gonçalves Telmo, the “Holy Body”.

The original chapel was built at the end of the 15th century by local fishermen in devotion to their patron saint, São Pedro Gonçalves Telmo. The only thing that remains of the original construction is the Gothic portal, which is thought to date from the late 16th century. This is one of the island's most notable works. The general Gothic structure of the chapel was maintained in subsequent works.

This chapel also turned out to be the place where the oldest religious brotherhood on the island of Madeira operated. This confraternity functioned as a mutual aid association, providing support to families who had lost their men at sea. It also functioned as a hospital and infirmary.

Nowadays, you can still find in the sacristy the “chest with three keys” used by the friars. This chest could only be opened in the presence of the chaplain, the president of the confraternity and the treasurer. The most interesting piece is the main altar, rebuilt around 1615/1616, especially the central plaque that represents the Patron Saint protecting a Portuguese caravel from the 15th or 16th centuries. The chancel is covered with paintings on the ceiling and walls, probably executed by a regional artist, which represent the most important steps in the life of the Saint and his miracles.