Janas: Chapel, Romaria and Colares Route

Janas brings together several themes for a trip: the circular Capela de São Mamede, a Romaria that is still held, archaeological finds, the Vinho de Colares Route and a traditional pastry associated with the area. The chapel’s history spans earlier Christian temples and its present-day form. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, you can consider whether Janas, with its cultural and route connections, suits your holiday plans.

Chapel, Romaria and historical layers

The Capela de São Mamede de Janas is classified as an imóvel de interesse público (IIP), a property of public interest. Its present-day form probably dates from the late 16th century. Another historical layer is revealed by the archaeological crypt of the Ermida de São Mamede de Janas: it is associated with the remains of two earlier Christian temples. These temples were identified during an excavation in the late 1980s and attributed to the Mozarabic period and the First Dynasty. This allows the probable dating of the chapel’s present-day form to be distinguished from the older buildings associated with the crypt. Those interested in religious architecture will find several distinct historical layers in Janas.

The São Mamede Romaria, which is still held, is also part of the area’s religious history. During the event, livestock is ritually led around the temple three times. The ritual gives local devotion a tangible expression and adds a continuing tradition to the view of the chapel as a building. For your trip planning, this provides a distinct cultural point of interest: you can appreciate Janas both through its religious buildings and through this religious practice.

The Convento de Santa Ana in Casal da Torre, Janas, also adds to the area’s history. Work on it began after the death of Mestre Henriques in 1449. This historical date relates to a different complex from the Capela de São Mamede and helps distinguish the area’s various historical associations.

Route and protected area

The Vinho de Colares Route passes through Janas and by the circular chapel. It runs through an area classified as a natural park, which is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natura 2000 site. Janas therefore has a clear connection not only to religious history but also to a regional route and a protected area. If the route is part of your travel plans, you can include Janas as a destination in your holiday rental search.

Another archaeological point of interest is the Sítio Romano de Janas. Roman-era materials were found along a path between Janas and the Ermida de São Mamede. The site adds another historical period to the picture and lies along the path between the village and the Ermida. Together with the remains of the earlier Christian temples, this find shows how different archaeological connections form part of Janas’s history.

Local traditions and other points of interest

Janas is also associated with the Bolos da Festa de São Mamede, a traditional pastry from Sintra’s regional confectionery. Its name connects it with the São Mamede tradition and adds a culinary aspect to the history of the buildings and the area. If regional confectionery plays a role in your travel decision, this pastry offers a distinct point of interest.

The Centro Cycling de Janas is housed in the former primary school. This location adds another named point of interest in the village alongside its historical and archaeological themes. Overall, you can choose between different areas of interest when considering Janas as a travel destination: the history of the chapel and the Romaria, archaeological finds, the connection to the Vinho de Colares Route or the local culinary tradition.

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