Saint Euphemia of the Mountain

Category: Nature > Viewpoint

District: Lisboa > Sintra > Santa Eufémia da Serra

Location

Santa Eufémia da Serra, located in the locality of Santa Eufémia da Serra, in the municipality of Sintra, is situated at an altitude of approximately 470 meters on the southern slope of the Sintra Mountains. This location offers panoramic views over a vast area of the Sintra municipality, extending to the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River estuary, covering part of the Lisbon metropolitan area. The site is nestled in a rural and isolated area, an integral part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra.

The Hermitage and its History of Devotion

The heart of Santa Eufémia da Serra is its hermitage, a temple with medieval roots, already documented in the 13th century. This site has been, over the centuries, a center for pilgrimages and strong popular devotion. The hermitage seen today resulted from a complete reconstruction that occurred in the last quarter of the 19th century, more precisely in 1876, as attested by a plaque on its facade. Its architecture is simple, with white plastered facades and gabled roofs, complemented by an old house that served pilgrims, located next to the chancel.

The Legendary Spring and Ancient Baths

The history of Santa Eufémia da Serra is intrinsically linked to its water spring. Ancient chronicles, dating back to 1147, refer to the alleged healing powers of this water, which contributed to the initial construction of the hermitage and the establishment of a primitive thermal complex. Next to the hermitage, it is possible to find a masonry niche that protects an irregular indentation in the rock. According to local legend, this concavity corresponds to a footprint left by Saint Eufémia herself, a belief reinforced by a panel of polychrome tiles illustrating the Saint's Martyrdom.

A Corner of Landscape and Serenity

In addition to its historical and legendary richness, Santa Eufémia da Serra invites visitors to enjoy the surrounding natural landscape. The viewpoint offers a broad and inspiring perspective, making it an excellent spot for moments of contemplation. For those seeking tranquility, there is a leisure area that provides pleasant shade, ideal for relaxing breaks on warmer days. It is an environment where one can appreciate the calm of the woods and the pure mountain air.

Traces of a Distant Past

Human presence in Santa Eufémia da Serra dates back to very ancient times. The site hosts remnants of a prehistoric settlement, with occupation since the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. Although the signs of this ancient archaeological site may be subtle in the landscape, its existence gives the site a remarkable historical depth, revealing layers of human occupation that extend for thousands of years in the Sintra Mountains.

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