Sanctuary of Our Lady of Vila Velha

Category: Religious Architecture > Sanctuary

District: Portalegre > Fronteira > Fronteira > Vila Velha

Location

Situated on the summit of a rounded hill, approximately five hundred meters from the village of Fronteira, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Vila Velha offers one of the most expansive landscapes in Alto Alentejo. From this elevated point, panoramic views can be contemplated over the village of Fronteira to the south, and the vast Alentejo plain stretching to the horizon. This historic site is, according to tradition, where the settlement of Fronteira originated.

Past and Devotion

The sanctuary's roots date back to medieval times, with the foundation of the hermitage, according to some records, in 1226. Over the centuries, the site gained increasing importance as a pilgrimage destination, attracting many faithful driven by their devotion to its patroness. A notable event in 1694, when lightning struck the main chapel during a pilgrimage without causing injuries, intensified popular belief in the Virgin's protection. The continuous influx of pilgrims in the 18th century led to the construction of annexes to better accommodate devotees. The sanctuary's patrimonial relevance was officially recognized in 2014 when it was classified as a Monument of Public Interest, and more recently, it was proclaimed a Jubilee Sanctuary, confirming its central role in the region's religious and cultural life.

Style and Artistic Richness

The architecture of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Vila Velha stands out for its porch, which features three semicircular arches at the front and two larger arches on the sides. Inside, a single nave, the ceiling is covered by a barrel vault, and the choir rests on a narthex. The church reveals remarkable decorative richness, particularly due to its `complete covering of 17th-century patterned azulejo tiles`. These azulejos, with their intricate lacework designs and geometric motifs in shades of blue, white, and yellow, cover the walls up to the cornice. The circular-plan main chapel stands out for its ceiling adorned with `mural paintings` distributed across nineteen coffers, depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin and various saints, contributing to the space's atmosphere of beauty and reverence.

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