Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope

Category: Religious Architecture > Sanctuary

District: Viseu > Tondela > Mouraz > Zona Industrial Municipal - Adiça

Location

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope is located in Mouraz, in the municipality of Tondela. Although situated within the Municipal Industrial Zone, Adiça, the sanctuary's location is, in fact, an isolated and pleasant hill, known as the Mount of Our Lady of Hope. It is accessible via Rua de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, in Povo de Baixo, and offers an elevated position that provides a wide and serene view over the surrounding landscape, extending to the imposing Serra da Estrela on the horizon.

Architecture and Historical Features

This temple of religious architecture was built in 1779. One of the elements that stand out in its construction is the elaborate carpentry work adorning the ceiling. The church's lining, made of robust chestnut wood, was commissioned and completed in the same year by the carpenter Sebastião Jorge, from Santa Comba Dão. Since its foundation, the sanctuary has maintained its function as a place of worship, being owned by the Diocese of Viseu.

The Symbolism of Hope

The Sanctuary is dedicated to Our Lady of Hope, a Marian invocation of profound relevance in the Christian faith. This devotion is intrinsically linked to the figure of Mary as the bearer of hope for humanity, symbolized by her pregnancy with Jesus. Historically, this invocation gained prominence after the Council of Trent, in some contexts replacing the older devotion to Our Lady of O. For many faithful, the sanctuary represents a point of faith and refuge, attracting a considerable number of visitors in search of comfort and inspiration.

An Environment of Peace and Contemplation

Surrounded by a natural landscape, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope provides an environment of tranquility and an invitation to contemplation. Its location on the Mount of Our Lady of Hope allows for panoramic views, notably of Serra da Estrela, visible in the distance on clearer days. The surrounding area has undergone improvements, including better access to the cruzeiros (calvaries/crosses), inviting a serene stroll and reflection in this space of natural beauty and spirituality.

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