Reis Magos Chapel – Calheta

The west coast of the island of Madeira is home to a great diversity of extremely interesting religious monuments. They are important elements of the historical heritage of this region and, of course, unique testimonies of the experience of faith that is so characteristic of these populations.

The Reis Magos Chapel is one of the points of interest to consider for those who want to discover this valuable heritage. The construction of this small temple in the municipality of Calheta dates back to the 16th century. It was in 1529 that the Reis Magos Chapel was established by Francisco Homem de Gouveia and Dona Isabel Afonso, his wife.

It was located next to an extensive property, which at the time served as the headquarters of a manor house. This chapel is a small popular construction, very typical of the time when it was built. Throughout the first century of Madeira’s settlement, several temples with this profile were built all over the island.

The Reis Magos Chapel, classified as a Monument of Public Interest, can be found in Estreito da Calheta, a parish so named because of its proximity to Calheta and because of its similarities to a deep valley.