Garden of Saint Maria Adelaide

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Porto > Vila Nova de Gaia > Arcozelo

Location

Arcozelo, a locality situated in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, hosts the Santa Maria Adelaide Garden. This green space is located in an area that, despite its proximity to the wider urban center, retains an atmosphere of serenity. Its surroundings invite tranquility, making it an ideal place for those seeking a calm environment and a moment of rest.

A Space for Leisure and Contemplation

The Santa Maria Adelaide Garden stands out for its extensive grassy areas and the presence of diverse trees, which provide shade and a pleasant natural setting. It is a place designed for enjoying the outdoors, equipped with tables and benches, often made of cement, inviting visitors to enjoy picnics or simply share moments of conviviality. The garden's structure encourages lingering and interaction, making it a meeting and relaxation point.

The Cultural Legacy and Devotion

The garden's name is a tribute to Maria Adelaide de Sam José e Sousa, popularly known as the Santinha de Arcozelo (Little Saint of Arcozelo), a central figure of deep devotion in the region. Although her sanctity is not recognized by the Catholic Church, the story of her life and the popular belief in the incorruptibility of her body have transformed her into a pilgrimage site and a cultural symbol of great relevance. Within the complex where the garden is integrated, or in its direct vicinity, one can find the chapel that houses Maria Adelaide's body, displayed in a glass urn resting on a marble pedestal. Annexed to this site is a small museum housing a vast collection of ex-votos, testimonies of faith and requests for grace that, according to popular belief, were answered. Among these, wedding dresses, baptismal and communion clothing, jewelry, coins from different countries, and a myriad of photographs documenting the thanks stand out. The chapel's stained-glass windows are works by Ricardo Leon. The garden offers a space for quietude and reflection for visitors who come to learn about this unique phenomenon of faith and tradition.

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