Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Évora > Vila Viçosa > Vila Viçosa > Nossa Senhora da Conceição e São Bartolomeu
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Conception is located in the heart of the historic town of Vila Viçosa, occupying a prominent place within the walls of the old medieval castle. Its position gives it a central presence in the town's urban landscape, contributing to the atmosphere of tranquility and history that can be felt when walking through the streets of this Alentejo town.
This Marian sanctuary, with medieval roots where it already functioned as the main church of the town, is a place of great significance in Portugal. Its current structure is the result of a profound renovation carried out in 1569, during the reign of D. Sebastian. According to tradition, the original foundation of the church, then known as Nossa Senhora do Castelo, is attributed to Constable D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, in gratitude for the victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota. It was also he, allegedly, who brought the image of the Immaculate Conception, a remarkable sculpture in Ançã stone, to the temple.
One of the most significant moments in the sanctuary's history occurred in 1646. By royal decree of D. John IV, endorsed in the general cortes, the image of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa was solemnly proclaimed Patroness of Portugal. From that date, the monarchs of the Braganza Dynasty ceased to wear the royal crown on their heads, a symbolic gesture of consecration of the kingdom to the protection of the Virgin. Later, in 1818, D. John VI granted a new distinction to the sanctuary, establishing it as the seat of the Military Order of Our Lady of Conception of Vila Viçosa, in gratitude for the national resistance to the French invasions. This place of deep devotion was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and continues to be the setting for a large annual pilgrimage, which takes place on December 8, the day of the Immaculate Conception.
The building observed today is a spacious three-nave temple, where the regional marble, so characteristic of Vila Viçosa, plays a prominent role in its construction. Over the centuries, the sanctuary has been enriched, presenting within its interior a fusion of artistic styles, such as Mannerism, Baroque, and Rococo, visible in altarpieces and other decorative elements. On the main altar, the image of the Immaculate Conception, the Patroness of Portugal, is enthroned. This image, made of Ançã stone, is traditionally adorned with rich vestments, many of which were offered by queens and ladies of the Portuguese Royal House, reflecting the intimate connection of the sanctuary with the history of the monarchy and national devotion.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7809567,-7.4154479
Coordinates DMS: 38°46'51.4"N 07°24'55.6"W
Weather Vila Viçosa
On-duty Pharmacy Vila Viçosa
