Hermitage of Our Lady of Peace

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Açores > Vila Franca do Campo > Vila Franca do Campo

Location

Perched atop the Mount of Nossa Senhora da Paz, this hermitage stands at an altitude of approximately 234 meters, dominating the landscape north of the town of Vila Franca do Campo. Its location offers a panoramic view over the urban fabric, the coastline, the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, and the distinctive Islet of Vila Franca. The journey to the site traverses landscapes of cultivated fields, culminating at this elevated point with a broad horizon.

Origins and History

The history of this site dates back to ancient times, with references to the existence of a temple already in the 17th century, possibly predating that time. The current structure resulted from a complete reconstruction carried out in 1764, following damages sustained from natural events. Throughout the 20th century, the hermitage underwent various expansions and improvements, including the addition of a side nave and the modernization of infrastructure.

In 1991, the hermitage was classified as a Property of Public Interest. Recently, on January 1, 2025, it was elevated to a Diocesan Sanctuary, becoming the first Marian sanctuary on the island of São Miguel.

Foundational Legend

A local legend tells that the hermitage was built on the exact spot where a shepherd unexpectedly found a small image of the Virgin Mary in a grotto. The image, according to the story, would have "milaculously" returned to the grotto multiple times after being taken to the village church, thus indicating the Lady's wish to remain there. This episode is believed to have motivated the construction of the temple on this mount.

The Monumental Staircase

Access to the hermitage is via an imposing staircase built between 1967 and 1968. This structure, with its zigzag layout, features ten landings and one hundred steps, a design symbolizing two-thirds of the rosary. Along the landings, blue and white tile panels illustrate the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries. The staircase is flanked by flowerbeds adorned with shrubs and flowers, such as the characteristic hydrangeas, depending on the season.

At the base of the staircase, there is a bust honoring Prior António Jacinto de Medeiros, a figure associated with improvements to the hermitage.

The Chapel and the Courtyard

At the top of the staircase, one reaches the hermitage's courtyard, a space organized on two levels that offers an arrival and contemplation area. The chapel, in the characteristic Baroque style of the region, has a simple white interior, with two naves separated by arches and a main chapel. Local stonework elements, such as holy water fonts (some with unusual decorations) and the pulpit, complement the interior architecture.

In the courtyard, notable features include tile panels on the rear wall, depicting religious scenes. There is also a large cross and a small chapel recreating the atmosphere of the grotto where, according to legend, the image of the Virgin was found.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt