Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rock

Category: Religious Architecture > Sanctuary

District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Carnaxide > Gandarela

Location

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Our Lady of the Rock) is located in the Gandarela area, in Carnaxide, municipality of Oeiras. Situated in the Jamor Valley, near the banks of the stream of the same name, the site offers an environment that combines natural serenity with proximity to the urban area, standing out as a landmark in the landscape.

History and the Legend of the Apparition

The origin of this sanctuary dates back to a singular event in 1822: the discovery of a small image of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of the Conception) in a grotto, near Casal da Rocha. Given the lack of an appropriate space for its immediate veneration, the image was, by order of King D. João VI, transferred to the Patriarchal See of Lisbon, where it remained for sixty years. Later, it was in the Church of São Romão de Carnaxide for a decade.

The construction of the current temple began in 1839, extending until 1892, with the purpose of worthily housing the image in the exact location of its apparition. The project is attributed to the architect José da Costa Sequeira. The inauguration, in May 1893, was an event of great significance, attended by figures such as Queen D. Amélia. Devotion to Nossa Senhora da Rocha intensified over time, partly due to episodes such as the accident of the former Infante D. Miguel of Braganza nearby, which he attributed to the protection of the Virgin.

Architecture and Its Unique Features

The sanctuary building, although not strictly conforming to a defined style, presents eclectic characteristics with Baroque influences. Its plan is rectangular, and its volumetry is stepped, crowned by a triangular pediment with a cross at its center. One of the most visible elements is the bell tower, which rises with its seven bells.

Inside, the church has a single nave, covered by a barrel vault. Before the chancel, a triumphal arch flanked by two altars in gilded carving invites contemplation. The chancel, with a square plan and a groin vault ceiling, is adorned with decorative paintings, highlighting the main altar with a niche housing the throne. A notable and highly significant architectural detail is the access, at foundation level and from a side of the church, to the grotto where the image was originally found, allowing visitors a direct connection to the genesis of this place of worship.

Devotion and Centenary Tradition

Since its foundation, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Rocha has been a focus of deep faith and a meeting point for the population. The influx of devotees to the site is remarkable, keeping alive a tradition that is reflected, in particular, in the annual Pilgrimage (Romaria) in honor of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Rocha.

This pilgrimage, which takes place in May, is one of the oldest and most significant festivities in the Greater Lisbon region, with over a century of history. It is characterized by moments of music and dance, as well as an atmosphere of community celebration. It is a testament to the lasting bond between the population and this sanctuary, which transcends mere construction and stands as a center of tradition and cultural sharing.

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