Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Évora > Viana do Alentejo > Viana do Alentejo > Horta do Melo
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora de Aires is located on the outskirts of Viana do Alentejo, in a prominent plain area that stands out in the landscape. It is visible from a distance, occupying an isolated and elevated position. In front of the main building, there is a vast esplanade that includes the Fountain of Nossa Senhora de Aires and a tank, elements that are part of the historical complex of the site.
This site has been a point of reference and faith over several centuries. Remains have been found indicating human presence and ancient structures, from the Roman era to the Arab presence. By the 16th century, a hermitage dedicated to Nossa Senhora already existed on the site. The sanctuary that can be visited today began to be built in the 18th century, between 1743 and 1804, replacing the previous hermitage due to the increasing influx of pilgrims.
Faith in Nossa Senhora de Aires has deep roots. Local tradition tells that devotion began after the sacred image was found by a farmer inside a clay pot, in a field, after the period of Moorish occupation.
The current building is an important example of Baroque architecture in the Alentejo region. Its imposing main facade features two symmetrical bell towers and a characteristic curved pediment. The entrance portal, dated 1755, is richly decorated, with a Latin inscription on the lintel.
Inside, the church follows a Latin cross plan. The central nave, covered by a vault, leads to the main chapel. This space stands out for its rich decoration, with columns made of local marble, stucco work, and mural paintings. On the main altar, under a complex Rococo-style baldachin, the venerated image is located. The natural lighting and the organization of the interior space are notable elements of this 18th-century construction.
The image that receives the veneration of believers in this sanctuary represents Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Piety), with the dead Jesus in her arms. This stone sculpture from Ançã dates from the late 15th or early 16th century. It is to her that the faith of the many pilgrims who visit the site is directed, being considered a miraculous image that has always helped those who resort to her with devotion.
Attached to the sanctuary is the House of Miracles, a space that houses a touching collection of ex-votos and popular art objects linked to the devotion to Nossa Senhora de Aires. Here, visitors can see materials that tell stories of faith and gratitude, such as old photographs, wedding dresses, hair braids, and other primitive votive offerings. It is a place that offers a direct insight into the depth and form of popular faith in the region over time.
The importance of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora de Aires for Portuguese history, art, and culture was formally recognized with its classification as a National Monument in 2012. This status highlights the patrimonial value of the sanctuary, which continues to be a center of pilgrimage and a significant cultural landmark in Alentejo.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.3408484,-7.9854593
Coordinates DMS: 38°20'27.1"N 07°59'7.7"W
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