Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Azambuja > Azambuja > Vale do Paraíso
Located in the picturesque village of Vale do Paraíso, in the municipality of Azambuja, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Paraíso (Our Lady of Paradise) occupies a central and pleasant spot. The location, though part of an urban area, maintains a tranquil atmosphere, inviting reflective pauses and the discovery of this historical gem.
The history of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Paraíso dates back to the late 15th century, when a small image of the Virgin Mary was discovered by a shepherd in the trunk of a cork oak tree. The image, enveloped in a singular light, seemed to have a life of its own, for when taken to the parish church of Aveiras de Cima, it mysteriously returned to its discovery site. This event, which repeated itself several times, led the community to understand that the image wished to remain there, prompting the construction of a small hermitage on the spot.
Later, D. Ana de Lencastre, who had taken refuge in the region to escape a plague afflicting Lisbon, and having heard of the miracles attributed to Our Lady of Paradise, made a significant donation for the hermitage to be expanded. The fame of the miraculous image and the growing devotion spurred the construction of the temple known today.
The Church of Nossa Senhora do Paraíso is a testament to architectural and artistic evolution throughout the centuries. The building displays a mix of styles, notably neoclassical elements resulting from later interventions. Inside, one can observe a rich collection of 17th-century azulejos (tiles), which cover the walls, imparting a distinct ambiance to the space.
One of the most notable artistic features is the vault, which was painted in 1671 with the theme of "Paradise," creating a celestial atmosphere within its interior. The temple suffered considerable damage from the 1755 earthquake, which can still be observed today, as revealed during the restoration of the main portal in 2015, showcasing its historical resilience. The bell tower, an addition from 1957, integrates into the structure, completing the image of the church.
Since its foundation on February 24, 1562, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Paraíso has been cared for by the Confraternity of Nossa Senhora do Paraíso. This brotherhood, with its own statutes and a tradition of over 460 years of uninterrupted existence, has played a fundamental role in the preservation and maintenance of this heritage, ensuring its continuity and devotion to the image that holds the Infant Jesus in its arms, and which is also affectionately known as Nossa Senhora do Ó, due to its small size.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.1148367,-8.8846868
Coordinates DMS: 39°06'53.4"N 08°53'4.9"W
Weather Azambuja
On-duty Pharmacy Azambuja
