Taíde Church

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Braga > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Taíde > Porto de Ave

Location

The church, which is a central part of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Porto de Ave, is located in the village of Porto de Ave, integrated into the parish of Taíde. This place is in the municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso. The surroundings are described as a hillside, where diverse vegetation once existed, offering a peaceful setting for visitors.

Historical Origins and the Miracle

The history of this place of worship dates back to the early 18th century, linked to an ancient image of Our Lady. According to accounts, around 1730, this image, in poor condition, was rescued and placed in an oratory by the schoolmaster Francisco Magalhães Machado. The fame of the place began to grow after an alleged miracle, involving the healing of a student who had prayed near the image after an accident. This event led to the Virgin being designated as Our Lady of Miracles, attracting pilgrims.

Due to increasing devotion and donations, a small stone chapel was built around 1734. Later, in the 1740s, the Archbishop of Braga, D. José de Bragança, promoted the expansion of the building, transforming it into the vast sanctuary that exists today. Years later, in 1874, it received the distinction of Royal Sanctuary.

Art and Interior Decoration

The interior of the church's nave stands out for the richness of its decoration. The walls are covered with a remarkable collection of 18th-century blue and white tiles, characteristic of the Joanine period. These tiles illustrate scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and the birth of Jesus, telling visual narratives for visitors.

The altars display the exuberance of gilded woodwork, typical of Baroque Art. This work of sculpted wood covered in gold imparts a grand and detailed atmosphere to the space, reflecting the artistic and religious importance attributed to the sanctuary at the time of its construction.

Heritage Recognition

Due to its historical, architectural, and artistic importance, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Porto de Ave, including its church, has been classified as a Public Interest Ensemble. This recognition underscores the cultural value of the site within the context of Portuguese heritage.

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