Chapel of Our Lady of the Rock (Castro de Santo Estevão)

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Facha > Castro de Santo Estevão

Location

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha, along with the remains of the Castro de Santo Estevão fort, stands on the summit of a hill in the village of Facha, municipality of Ponte de Lima. This elevated position gives the site a serene atmosphere and an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape, inviting contemplation and a peaceful stroll. Its accessibility, despite being at an elevated point, naturally integrates into the area of the Castro de Santo Estevão.

The Chapel and its Churchyard

At the heart of the site, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha stands as an architectural testament from the 18th century. Access to its churchyard is gained via a staircase, revealing a welcoming and shaded space. Here, the presence of trees such as thujas, cedars, birches, and cypresses creates an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection. Beside the chapel, a specimen of silver lime distinguishes itself by its imposing presence, marking the local landscape.

Traces of an Ancient Past

The hill that hosts the chapel is also the cradle of a much older history. On the site, the remains of a hillfort settlement, the Castro de Santo Estevão, are still discernible. The structures that can be observed suggest the presence of ancient dwellings, with origins that may date back to the 6th century BC, offering a window into the civilizations that settled here in remote times and their connection with the landscape of the Lima Valley.

The Viewpoint and the Landscape

From the chapel's churchyard, a unique staircase, flanked at its beginning by a fountain with a backrest, leads to a large boulder. On top of this rocky outcrop, a viewpoint and a small bell tower stand. This elevated point provides a wide and stunning perspective of the surrounding landscape, ideal for those seeking a moment of contemplation and admiration for the natural scenery of the Lima Valley.

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