Church of the Conception or Mother Church of Vila Viçosa or Church of Our Lady of the Conception or Old Church of Santa Maria do Castelo

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Évora > Vila Viçosa > Vila Viçosa > Nossa Senhora da Conceição e São Bartolomeu

Location and Names

- Located in Vila Viçosa, in the Alentejo region of Portugal.

- Also known as the Vila Viçosa Main Church, Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, and Solar da Padroeira (Manor of the Patron Saint).

Historical Significance

- Foundation attributed to the Constable of the Kingdom, D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, after the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385).

- Significant renovation in 1569, during the reign of D. Sebastião of Portugal.

Architecture and Construction

- Large temple with three naves.

- Predominance of regional marble in the construction.

Classification

- Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1944.

Image of Our Lady of the Conception

- Image offered by D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, acquired in England.

- Proclaimed Patron Saint of Portugal on March 25, 1646, by D. João IV.

- Located on the main altar, covered in rich vestments offered by royalty.

Events and Festivities

- Annual pilgrimage on December 8th, celebrating the Immaculate Conception, Principal Patron Saint of Portugal.

Military Order

- D. João VI, in 1818, erected the sanctuary as the head of the new Military Order of Our Lady of the Conception of Vila Viçosa.

Papal Visit

- Visited by Pope John Paul II on May 14, 1982.

Patronage

- Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Évora.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santuário_de_Nossa_Senhora_da_Conceição_de_Vila_Viçosa

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