Saint Mamede Church

Saint Mamede Church
Built in the 16th century, Capela de São Mamede is a unique monument, due to its surprising circular plan.

It is located at Janas, a small village about 10 minutes from Sintra.

Inside, in a central position, a podium might have been formerly a roman altar dedicated to Diana, the hunting goddess, an interesting paralel with the present patron, Saint Mamede, protector of the animals, an explanation to the fact that these had free entrance in the chapel up to recent times.

The yard around the chapel revealed very rich in archaeological terms: countless roman artifacts have been found in the excavation works.