Sanctuary Our Lady of Miracles

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Torres Vedras > Folgarosa > Casal Calhorda

Location

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Miracles is located in Casal Calhorda, a quiet area in the town of Folgarosa, within the municipality of Torres Vedras. Erected atop a small elevation, the sanctuary offers a wide and serene view over the surrounding landscape, marked by agricultural fields. This positioning provides an environment of quietude, inviting contemplation and appreciation of the surrounding calm, far from the hustle and bustle of more urbanized areas.

History and Founding Legend

The roots of this sanctuary delve into the 16th century, a period when its foundation is linked to a story of popular faith. Legend has it that, in the year 1578, a young shepherdess, distressed by thirst in arid fields, received an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Divine intervention manifested when Our Lady, with her own hands, dug a small depression from which clear water sprang, quenching the girl's thirst. In response to this event, and following the Virgin's request, the people, moved by faith and gratitude for the miracle, erected a hermitage on the site. Quickly, the sanctuary became a point of great popular devotion, attracting pilgrims from all over the region, also known as "Our Lady of the Holy Spring" or "of the Holy Water."

Architecture and Significance

The construction observed today, presumably dating from the 17th century, features modest architecture yet imbued with significant meaning. The building consists of a longitudinal plan chapel, with a single nave leading to the chancel. Annexed, there is a structure that once served to accommodate pilgrims arriving here, highlighting its importance as a center for pilgrimages. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the sanctuary underwent improvements, with the addition of paintings and tiles that enriched its interior. Although the site suffered a theft of images in 2009, devotion persisted, and the image of Our Lady currently present is a modern replica of the original, continuing to inspire those who visit.

A Space for Contemplation

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Miracles offers more than a glimpse into history and architecture; it is an invitation to introspection. The atmosphere of serenity emanating from the site, partly due to its elevated position and natural surroundings, allows any visitor to find a moment of peace. Whether for the believer seeking a space for prayer and spiritual connection, or for the non-believer who simply desires an instant of silence and solitude to reconnect with their inner self, the sanctuary provides a refuge. It is a place where beauty and tranquility unite, allowing for a reflective pause in the daily routine and a reconnection with inner calm.

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