Sanctuary of Our Lady of Light

Category: Religious Architecture > Sanctuary

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Carnide

Location

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Light is located in the Carnide area, a historically rich part of the vast city of Lisbon. Situated in an urban environment, this place of worship and heritage is found at an accessible point in the parish, allowing visitors to experience a piece of Lisbon's heritage away from the busier center.

The Roots of the Sanctuary

The history of the Sanctuary dates back to the 15th century, to a time when a modest hermitage already existed on the site, next to a spring believed to possess healing properties. Its foundation is linked to an ancient tradition: Pero Martins, an inhabitant of Carnide, is said to have had visions of the Virgin Mary while a prisoner in Africa. The Lady, bathed in light, instructed him to erect a hermitage upon his return to his homeland, on the site of the aforementioned miraculous spring, where he would find an image of her.

After his liberation and return to Carnide in 1463, Pero Martins found the Marian image near the spring, known as the Fonte da Machada. With the community's support, the hermitage was built, and the image of Our Lady of Light was solemnly enthroned in 1464, marking the beginning of devotion at this site. Later, between 1575 and 1596, at the initiative of Infanta D. Maria, daughter of D. Manuel I, the sanctuary known today began to be built, with a project attributed to Jerónimo de Ruão.

An Architectural Legacy

The grandeur of the Sanctuary suffered a severe blow with the earthquake of 1755, which destroyed much of the original structure. However, fortunately, some of its most significant parts survived. The transept and, notably, the high chapel remained intact, serving as a remarkable example of Portuguese Mannerism.

Inside the high chapel, its unique vaulted ceiling, adorned with marble coffers, can be observed. Its sides, also in marble, contain niches housing statues, and it is here that the tomb of Infanta D. Maria is located, recognized as a national monument. Also noteworthy is the magnificent gilded wood carved altarpiece, enriched with paintings by artists such as Francisco Venegas and Diogo Teixeira. In the side areas of the church, the paintings on the side altars complement the artistic richness of the space, and near the spring, vestiges of the Manueline style can still be seen, linking the building to its original foundation.

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