Church of Our Lady of Deliverance

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Vila Real > Boticas > Eiró > Boticas e Granja

Location

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Livração is located in the village of Eiró, part of the wider area of Boticas and Granja, in the municipality of Boticas. Its central position contributes to its being a reference point in the daily and spiritual life of the community, accessible to those visiting this Trás-os-Montes territory.

A Building with History

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Livração was built in the late 19th century, revealing an architecture that reflects the characteristics of the period. Its main facade is marked by a rectangular portal, above which there is an oval oculus, and is topped by a simple pediment crowned by a granite cross. At a later time after its initial construction, a quadrangular bell tower was added, which has four openings for the bells.

Inside, the eye is drawn to the paintings decorating the walls, representing biblical themes such as "The Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes". The triumphal arch, separating the chancel from the nave of the church, is also ornamented with a panel illustrating the "Ascension of Christ". The temple houses four altars in gilded carving: the main altar, which occupies the entire head wall, and in the nave, two collateral altars and one lateral altar. All these altars house religious imagery, enriching the atmosphere of faith and contemplation.

A Meeting Point of Faith

This church plays a central role in the religious life of the parish of Boticas. It is here that Sunday masses are regularly celebrated, serving as a place of union and worship for the inhabitants. Its importance transcends daily life, becoming particularly visible in August.

Annually, on the third weekend of August, the church is the epicentre of the Festival in Honour of Nossa Senhora da Livração. This large-scale celebration attracts thousands of devotees and visitors to the town of Boticas. The festival is marked by moments of deep devotion and by the imposing procession, which features the participation of 31 floats, representing the different parishes of the municipality. These floats are carefully adorned with natural flowers, parading through the main streets of the village in a solemn procession, accompanied by various musical bands and other traditional manifestations.

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