Sanctuary of Our Lady of Conception

Category: Religious Architecture > Sanctuary

District: Viseu > Moimenta da Beira > Castelo

Panoramic Location

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição rises majestically on a hill that dominates the center of Castelo village, in the municipality of Moimenta da Beira. This elevated position gives it the role of a natural observatory, offering visitors vast and open landscapes.

From the sanctuary, it is possible to contemplate a comprehensive view that extends across several municipalities, including Moimenta da Beira, Armamar, Tabuaço, Sernancelhe, and Trancoso. One of the highlights is the suspended viewpoint, a triangular platform with a glass floor that extends over the slope, at an altitude of about 770 meters, providing a unique perspective and an impressive sense of vastness over the surrounding landscape.

Marks of Ancient History

The site where the sanctuary is located is rich in history, presumed to have been, in remote times, a fortified settlement. The walls that still survive on the hill bear witness to this medieval heritage, preserving traces that evoke centuries of human presence.

Among the discoveries that mark this site, several graves carved directly into the rock stand out, an indication of an occupation that predates the sanctuary's construction, and which contribute to the archaeological richness of the place.

The Edifice and its Heritage

The architecture of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição reveals an interesting combination of Romanesque and modern elements, reflecting different periods of construction and intervention. The complex includes the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which gives the sanctuary its name, and the Chapel of Santa Bárbara, each with its own identity.

Inside the main church, there is a remarkable image of Nossa Senhora do Ó. This figure, polychromed and sculpted in limestone, dates back to the 14th or 15th century, constituting an element of great artistic and devotional value. Outside, the presence of a bandstand complements the architectural ensemble, giving it a serene and traditional atmosphere.

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