Sanctuary of Our Lady Aparecida

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Lousada > Torno > Xisto

Location

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora Aparecida is located in the urbanisation of Xisto, in the picturesque locality of Torno, which belongs to the municipality of Lousada. The site enjoys an elevated position, situated on a slope that offers wide visibility over the neighbouring villages and the valley to the west.

The area surrounding the sanctuary, a spacious, irregularly oval-shaped churchyard, was carefully created on an artificial platform. It is supported by terraced gardens and granite walls, and the main access is via a front stone staircase, paved with cobblestones and slabs. Along this path, there is an image of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, and higher up, a small chapel embedded in a wall, preceded by a porch where a representation of the ancient hermit is visible.

The Legend of the Image

The history of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora Aparecida is intrinsically linked to a legend dating back to 1823. Accounts tell that, in the old churchyard of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, unusual celestial signs began to appear, such as lightning and shooting stars, always pointing towards the entrance of a dry mine. This mine served as a refuge for a hermit of unknown origin, but beloved by all, who carried with him a small image of the Virgin Mary in an oratory.

Following the hermit's sudden disappearance, the inhabitants and the parish priest, intrigued by the celestial phenomena, decided to excavate the mine. It was then that, among the hermit's remains, they discovered the beautiful image of the Virgin, intact and radiant. This event, because the image had "appeared" so unexpectedly, gave rise to its name and to the cult that quickly spread throughout northern Portugal, marking the beginning of pilgrimages to this sacred site.

A Building of Faith and History

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora Aparecida is a religious complex that grew around an imposing chapel, whose current configuration dates from the late 18th century. Throughout the 20th century, the building was expanded, incorporating a chancel, an annex, and other support structures, transforming it into the sanctuary we know today. Its architecture features a gabled main facade, with a straight lintel portal surmounted by a niche housing the image of the Virgin. The facades are plastered and painted white, giving it a serene and luminous appearance.

The interior of the sanctuary is equally remarkable, with its white walls and wooden ceilings. Highlights include the choir loft and the chancel, which houses a carved altarpiece, executed in the 20th century according to late-Baroque models, with details painted in grey, faux marbling, and gilding. Elements such as the pulpit and the triumphal arch contribute to the atmosphere of contemplation and spirituality of the space.

The Great Annual Pilgrimage

Since 1823, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora Aparecida has been the central point of one of the most authentic and well-attended pilgrimages in the region. Annually, between August 13th and 15th, thousands of people flock to Torno to celebrate this centuries-old tradition in honour of Nossa Senhora Aparecida. The pilgrimage is a living demonstration of local faith and culture, attracting devotees and visitors to an atmosphere of great religious fervour and popular festivity.

The highlight of the celebrations is the procession that takes place in the late afternoon of August 14th, known for its impressiveness. It features the "Great Andor", a remarkable structure that, with its 22.52 metres in height and approximately 1300 kilograms, is recognised as one of the largest processional floats in the country, carried by approximately eighty men. It is a moment of deep emotion, where many pilgrims fulfil their promises, witnessing the genuine devotion that defines this pilgrimage.

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