Hermitage of Our Lady of Remedies

Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Alfama

Location

The Hermitage of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is nestled in the heart of the picturesque neighborhood of Alfama, in the city of Lisbon. Situated in the municipality and district of Lisbon, this hermitage is located in one of the oldest and most charismatic neighborhoods of the Portuguese capital, offering an authentic glimpse into the most traditional Lisbon.

Its location in Alfama, a neighborhood with deep roots in Lisbon's history and maritime traditions, gives it a unique atmosphere, immersed in labyrinthine alleys and the genuine spirit of the fishing community that once dominated this area.

History and Devotion

Built in the first half of the 16th century, the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is a place of profound religious and historical significance in Lisbon. It is characterized as a chapel with a double invocation, dedicated to the Holy Spirit and to Our Lady of Remedies, revealing the multiplicity of popular devotions of the time.

Its history is intrinsically linked to the fishing community of Alfama, which over the centuries elected it as the central point of their faith and prayers. After the devastating Earthquake of 1755, the hermitage underwent significant interventions, which allowed for its recovery and adaptation, ensuring the continuity of its role in the religious and social fabric of Alfama.

Heritage and Symbolism

Classified as an Immovable of Public Interest, the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios transcends its role as a place of worship, assuming itself as a fundamental element of Lisbon's historical and cultural heritage. Its architecture, although simple, reflects the characteristics of the hermitages built in the period, with adaptations resulting from the Earthquake.

The symbolism of the hermitage lies in its deep connection to the daily life and beliefs of the fishermen of Alfama, witnessing their faith, their hopes, and the challenges they faced at sea. It represents a point of convergence between the sacred and the lives of the people, perpetuating secular memories and traditions in Lisbon's urban landscape.

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