Sanctuary of Our Lady of Help

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Arruda dos Vinhos > Arranhó > Nossa Senhora da Ajuda

Location and Setting

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda rises in the area that lends it its name, in Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, an integral part of the serene locality of Arranhó. Located in the municipality of Arruda dos Vinhos, this place offers a tranquil setting, evoking landscapes once marked by pastoral life. Its position invites moments of quietude, away from the hustle and bustle, ideal for those seeking an environment of reflection and peace.

The Legend of the Miraculous Spring

The origin of the Sanctuary is enveloped in an ancient and touching legend, passed down from generation to generation. It is said that, in the distant past, a young shepherdess, while resting with her flock in this very spot, was graced with the apparition of a luminous image. It asked her to build a hermitage in its honour. Initially, the shepherdess's father, Afonso Anes, doubted his daughter's story, questioning the feasibility of a construction in a place without water.

However, given the apparition's insistence, the father decided to observe his daughter. What he witnessed was truly remarkable: the young girl lifted a stone and, immediately, fresh water began to gush forth in abundance. Recognizing the miracle, Afonso Anes ceded the land and mobilized the community to erect the hermitage, thanking the Virgin for having chosen his daughter. Since that day, the spring has never dried up, becoming a perennial symbol of faith and divine intervention associated with the Sanctuary.

A Point of Devotion and Reflection

Over time, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda has established itself as one of the greatest centers of devotion in the municipality of Arruda dos Vinhos. It attracts visitors seeking a space for spiritual retreat, for the contemplation of its unique history, or simply to enjoy the serenity of the environment. Its striking presence in the landscape is an invitation to discover a heritage of faith and tradition deeply rooted in the community.

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