Church of Our Lady of the Rock

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Gandarela

Location

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Rocha is located in Gandarela, in the municipality of Oeiras, nestled in a corner of the Jamor Valley. This location offers a serene and tranquil environment, where the presence of nature invites calm. Its unique, slightly secluded location allows one to contemplate the lush green surroundings of the valley, providing a sense of refuge and peace, away from the hustle and bustle of major thoroughfares.

The Origin and the Temple

The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Rocha is intrinsically linked to a significant event that occurred in 1822: the discovery of a small image of Nossa Senhora da Conceição in a grotto near Casal da Rocha. Given the absence of a suitable place to venerate this image, it was initially transferred to the Patriarchal See of Lisbon, where it remained for sixty years, and then to the Church of São Romão de Carnaxide for another decade. The construction of the temple we see today, designed by architect José da Costa Sequeira, took place between 1839 and 1892, with the purpose of honorably housing the Virgin Mary at the precise site of her apparition.

Architectural Features

The church features a rectangular plan and a stepped volume, crowned by a triangular pediment displaying a cross at its center. The interior houses a single nave, covered by a barrel vault. Before the Chancel, there is a triumphal arch, flanked by two altars in gilded carving, inviting contemplation. The Chancel, with a square plan and vaulted ceiling, is enriched with decorative paintings and a main altar housing a niche for the throne. A distinctive and highly interesting aspect is the existence of a compartment in the side elevation, at foundation level, which allows access to the interior of the original grotto via a flight of stairs, highlighting the building's direct connection to its genesis.

A Legacy of Faith

The site is a testament to a long tradition of devotion. Since its inauguration in May 1893, attended by Queen D. Amélia and other notable figures, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Rocha has become a point of reference for faith. Devotion to Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Rocha has remained alive throughout the centuries, attracting generations of believers and curious visitors. This persistence in veneration underscores the symbolic value of the sanctuary, which transcends its architectural beauty, and reinforces its role as a cultural and spiritual landmark in the Oeiras region.

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