Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Braga > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Póvoa de Lanhoso > Pinheiro
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Pilar is located at the top of the hill with the same name, near the village of Póvoa de Lanhoso. This hill rises in a dominant position, set on an impressive granite outcrop, offering views over the surrounding area. The sanctuary is situated in an area that combines proximity to the urban center of Póvoa de Lanhoso with a hilly and vegetated environment.
The construction of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Pilar formally began in the late 17th century, initiated by André da Silva Machado, a wealthy merchant. An interesting particularity of its construction lies in the fact that stones resulting from the dismantling of parts of the old Lanhoso Castle were repurposed, establishing a material link between these two historical landmarks.
Integrating the sanctuary complex, there is a Via Sacra (Stations of the Cross) that develops along a paved path on the hillside. This path includes several chapels that evoke moments of the Passion of Christ. The architecture of some of these chapels shows clear influences and similarities with those that make up the Via Sacra of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, in the city of Braga, inviting a reflective ascent to the main church.
When visiting the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Pilar, it is possible to observe a diversity of architectural styles, reflecting the different construction phases that occurred between the 17th and 19th centuries. The main church features lines ranging from Mannerism to Neoclassicism, with Baroque details in its interior, including figurative tile work (azulejaria). Among the chapels along the path, the Chapel of Senhor do Horto stands out for its larger size and rich Rococo-style interior decoration, and the Chapel of Samaritana (the Samaritan Woman), notable for having been adapted from an old fountain-cistern and for preserving tiles that decorate its niche.
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Pilar is a place of Marian devotion with strong significance for the population of Póvoa de Lanhoso and its surroundings. It remains a pilgrimage site, with its most expressive celebration occurring annually, usually in May. A visit offers the opportunity to experience a space with deep roots in the region's religious and cultural tradition.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.5864833,-8.2812133
Coordinates DMS: 41°35'11.3"N 08°16'52.4"W
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