The mountainous territory of northern Portugal is marked by the constant presence of religion. Churches, chapels, shrines, crosses, calvaries and sanctuaries are striking features in the landscape and provide manifestations of the faith of the inhabitants of these harsh lands. The chapel of Pincães is a symbol of this faith. The chapel was built by Paulino José da Costa, known as the Brazilian Costa, who was born in the village of Pincães in the parish of Cabril. He left for Brazil when he was very young and settled in the city of Rio de Janeiro, where he was a successful merchant and founder of the Association of Merchants of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The benevolent Paulino José Costa often visited his family and his homeland. He always offered embroidered shawls to the women in the village and berets for the men.