Mount Livramento

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte da Barca > Sampriz > Ventuzelo

Location:

Monte do Livramento rises in the parish of Sampriz, more precisely in the Ventuzelo area, within the municipality of Ponte da Barca. Its elevated position, atop a densely wooded hill, grants it a privileged vantage point over the surrounding landscape. From there, broad views open up, reaching not only the Ponte da Barca area but also extending to Arcos de Valdevez.

Access to the sanctuary, an integral part of the mount, is via a wide walled square that includes a bandstand, and continues up a staircase to the main chapel, surrounded by an atmosphere of tranquility and nature.

The Chapel and Its Essence

At the heart of Monte do Livramento lies the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Livramento, an example of religious architecture dating back to the 18th century. Its Baroque style, characteristic of the period, lends it a particular aesthetic, notable in the simplicity and harmony of its lines and details.

This place has been, throughout the centuries, a center of devotion and pilgrimage. Testament to this is the presence of an old pilgrims' barracks, with its continuous wooden balcony, which over the years has hosted faithful from various places. Each year, on June 11th, the mount comes alive with the pilgrimage (romaria), a moment of strong community connection and celebration of faith.

Landscape and Serene Environment

Monte do Livramento offers more than its historical and religious dimension; it is also a place of great natural and scenic value. The hillside, covered by a dense forest, invites an atmosphere of calm and serenity, ideal for moments of contemplation.

Among the vegetation, species like elms and plane trees predominate, contributing to the beauty of the place. Also noteworthy is a remarkable cork oak tree near the square, whose imposing presence underscores the sanctuary's connection to its surrounding natural environment. This ensemble provides a scenic backdrop for those seeking a tranquil experience and a genuine contact with the Minho nature.

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