Our Lady of Piety Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Vila Real > Alijó > Sanfins do Douro > Cruzeiro

Location

The Chapel of Our Lady of Pity stands on a serene promontory, a short distance from the village of Sanfins do Douro, in the municipality of Alijó. This site, once occupied by an ancient hillfort whose walls are still visible, offers a comprehensive perspective of the surrounding landscape. From an altitude of 737 meters, the eyes reach the vast Marão, Cabreira, and Leomil mountain ranges, as well as the surrounding villages, inviting contemplation and a moment of tranquility.

Access to the top is via a path paved with granite cobblestones, culminating in a three-flight staircase. At the summit, the main chapel is situated on an artificial, circular platform, outlined by a stone balustrade, complemented by an atrium with geometric patterns on the pavement.

The Sanctuary and its Architectural Expression

This sanctuary, of Neo-Baroque design, constitutes a harmonious ensemble of five chapels. The main chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Pity, has an irregular octagonal plan and is distinguished by its stone-built pyramidal dome, painted white, crowned by a pinnacle. Its facades, with plastered and whitewashed bases, are enhanced by stonework details, including pilasters at the corners, gargoyles, and friezes that top the building. The main facade is adorned with a straight lintel portal and a niche housing the image of Saint Barbara, culminating in a perfect arch bell tower.

Along the ascent path, there are four smaller chapels, each with a hexagonal plan and a six-sided pyramidal dome. These structures, also white-clad with granite details, serve as oratories and enrich the journey with their simplicity and elegance.

The Way of the Cross and the House of Miracles

The four chapels arranged along the climbing route form a devotional path, housing life-size sculptural representations of crucial moments of the Way of the Cross within them. Each oratory offers the visitor a distinct scene: Pilate's Pretorium, Christ's Crucifixion, Calvary, and the Descent from the Cross. The sculptures, set in carefully designed environments, invite reflection on the narrative the chapels aim to illustrate.

Annexed to the main chapel's atrium is the House of Miracles. This rectangular construction, adapted to the slope of the terrain, is a place of special significance. Its interior houses a room dedicated to ex-votos, testimonies of faith and gratitude from those who sought and found help there. A visit to this space provides a deeper understanding of the tradition and popular devotion linked to the sanctuary.

Historical Memory and Devotion

The history of this place dates back to the 17th century, with the construction of a primitive chapel dedicated to Saint Barbara. In the 19th century, with the introduction of the image of Our Lady of Pity, the sanctuary assumed its current name and devotion intensified. The annual festival, celebrated in August, has become one of the highlights of the region, attracting numerous participants and culminating in a procession involving the community.

An integral part of the history and strong local devotion is the figure of Sebastião Maria, popularly known as "o Servinho" or "the Miller Saint." Born in 1833, his life of penance and the cures attributed to him after his death in 1879 led to the transfer of his body to the main chapel in 1885, where it remains for veneration. This historical connection gives the sanctuary a unique dimension of faith and cultural legacy.

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