Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Braga > Terras de Bouro > Rio Caldo > Assento
The Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta is located in Rio Caldo, in the municipality of Terras de Bouro. Situated in the Gerês Mountains, the site is set on a hillside, near the bank of the Caldo River. The surrounding area features a park with abundant vegetation, providing a natural environment.
The sanctuary's elevated position offers views of the surrounding landscape, integrating with the natural beauty of the mountains.
The history of the Sanctuary began in 1615, with the construction of a small hermitage on the site.
The designation "Porta Aberta" (Open Door) has a symbolic origin. The first hermitage always kept its doors open, serving as a place of shelter and refuge for travelers passing through this area.
The main building seen today began construction in the late 19th century, between 1880 and 1895. However, this location was already a point of great devotion much earlier, with records of its importance dating back to 1758. To accommodate the growing number of visitors, a new crypt, a larger space located next to the temple, was built and inaugurated in 1998. More recently, in 2013, the chancel underwent renovation work. A significant milestone in the sanctuary's history was its elevation to the title of minor basilica by Pope Francis in 2015, marking the 400th anniversary of its origin.
The sanctuary building features an architectural style that combines Neoclassical and Neo-Baroque elements. Its main structure has a rectangular plan, comprising the nave and the chancel.
Inside, visitors find an antechamber preceding the nave. A triumphal arch separates the nave from the chancel. The main altarpiece, richly carved in gilded wood, houses the tabernacle, and prominently features the image of Saint Benedict. One of the striking visual aspects is the tiles covering the walls, illustrating moments from the patron saint's life.
Dedicated to Saint Benedict of Nursia, the sanctuary is one of the most important centers of devotion in Portugal. Its relevance is underscored by the high number of pilgrims and visitors it attracts annually.
The main celebrations and peak visitation times occur on specific dates related to the saint's life: March 21st, July 11th, and especially during the large popular pilgrimage that takes place between August 10th and 15th. These periods are marked by a particular atmosphere of faith and fellowship.
The sanctuary's surroundings include an extensive park of approximately 2.4 hectares. This green space is densely forested, notably with species such as oaks, cedars, and linden trees, creating an environment conducive to rest and reflection.
Within the park, there is a lake with a bridge, which complements the natural beauty of the place. The integration of the sanctuary into this Gerês Mountains landscape, with the nearby presence of the Caldo River, contributes to the serenity that many visitors seek.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.6902197,-8.2033265
Coordinates DMS: 41°41'24.8"N 08°12'12.0"W
Weather Rio Caldo
On-duty Pharmacy Rio Caldo
