Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Vila Real > Boticas > Ardãos e Bobadela
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows is located in an isolated and tranquil spot, in the Monte Farinha area, amidst the landscapes of Ardãos and Bobadela, in the municipality of Boticas. Its location, far from inhabited centers, offers an environment of quietude, surrounded by fields and stone walls, characteristic of the rural landscape. The place invites a serene pause, with an atmosphere of isolation and introspection.
At the heart of the sanctuary grounds stands the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, a rectangular granite construction. Its main facade is marked by a porch protecting an arched portal, giving it a traditional aesthetic. Above the entrance, a small belfry with a triangular apex, topped by a cross, stands out, harmoniously integrating into the building's simplicity.
This temple has a medieval foundation, revealing a profound history dating back centuries. In bygone times, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows was the center of religious life for an ancient parish, Paredes, which would later be extinguished in the Middle Ages, possibly as a consequence of a plague. The site thus maintains a connection with the region's past, serving as a testament to a legacy of faith and resilience.
Annually, during the month of August, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows hosts religious celebrations in honor of its patroness. These festivities culminate in a procession that departs from the sanctuary. The presence of modest support buildings on the grounds indicates the tradition of welcoming pilgrims who travel to this place of devotion, reinforcing its role as a meeting point and community celebration.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.7461633,-7.5806563
Coordinates DMS: 41°44'46.2"N 07°34'50.4"W
Weather Ardãos e Bobadela
On-duty Pharmacy Ardãos e Bobadela
