Mount of Our Lord of Good Death

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Lisboa > Vila Franca de Xira > Povos > Sr. da Boa Morte

Location

The Mount of Senhor da Boa Morte rises in the locality of Povos, in the municipality of Vila Franca de Xira, marking the landscape with its elevated presence. Situated atop a hill, it offers a wide perspective over the surrounding natural and urban environment. From here, it is possible to contemplate the Tagus River winding through the plain, the vast and fertile floodplains, and the locality itself, creating a scene that invites reflection and appreciation of the view.

A Scene of Profound History

This mount is a place with layers of history dating back to very ancient times. As early as the 4th century, in Roman times, there was a first occupation here. In the 10th century, the mount became the center of the ancient Village of Povos, housing a castle of Islamic origin, the remnants of whose walls can still be observed today. Archaeological excavations at the site also revealed a medieval cemetery with unique anthropomorphic graves, carved directly into the rock, dating from between the 12th and 13th centuries, testifying to the continuity of human presence and its devotion over the centuries.

The Chapel and Devotion

At the heart of this historic site is the Chapel of Senhor da Boa Morte, also known as the Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Boa Morte. Its origin dates back to the late 12th century, as the primitive parish church of Povos, possibly linked to the Order of the Knights Templar. Over time, the chapel underwent several reconstructions and enlargements, especially after the earthquakes that ravaged the region in the 14th and 18th centuries. Its interior, in Manueline and Baroque styles, features notable altarpieces and an atmosphere of strong religious connection. The devotion to the miraculous image of Senhor da Boa Morte, found in the sanctuary, is a central part of this place's identity, and is even linked to a popular tradition that associates it with its discovery in a small cave, the Loca da Boa Morte, nearby.

Ruins and Memories

Beyond the chapel, the Mount of Senhor da Boa Morte houses the ruins of what was the Manor of the Ataíde, Counts of Castanheira and Lords of Povos. This stately palace, dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, was severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake and has since remained in ruins, contributing to the atmosphere of mystery and the feeling that the visitor is surrounded by echoes of other times. The presence of these ruins, together with the remnants of the ancient castle and the medieval graves, invites a journey through time, where one can imagine the life and beliefs of the communities that inhabited this place.

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