Category: Religious Architecture > Sanctuary
District: Viseu > Sátão > São Miguel de Vila Boa > Esperança
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope is located in Abrunhosa, part of the civil parish of São Miguel de Vila Boa, in the municipality of Sátão. Erected on an elevated platform, the sanctuary is accessed by a frontal staircase leading to a peaceful churchyard. This outdoor space, walled in granite stonework, is punctuated by trees and stone benches, offering a serene environment conducive to enjoying the surrounding architecture. Not far away, a granite fountain integrates into the local landscape.
The history of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope has its roots in the 15th century, with the existence of a primitive chapel. Devotion to Our Lady of Hope deepened in the 17th century, with the foundation of a Brotherhood around 1670. The construction of the current sanctuary in the 18th century was an initiative of Canon Luís Bandeira Galvão, in fulfillment of a vow in honor of his uncle. This place of faith and art is today recognized as a Property of Public Interest, bearing witness to the cultural and religious richness of the region throughout the centuries.
The simplicity of the sanctuary's exterior facade, marked by white and granite elements, conceals an interior of great splendor. Inside, the Joanine Baroque style reveals itself in all its magnificence, especially in the profusion of gilded carving. This covering, which radiates intense luminosity, is a central element in the artistic composition of the space, creating a scenographic environment. The temple is a true hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary, with the constant presence of Marian symbols interwoven in the carving of the side altarpieces and the imposing triumphal arch.
The sanctuary walls are adorned with remarkable panels of figural tiles, in blue and white, created in 1730 and signed by Teotónio dos Santos, a renowned Lisbon painter. These tiles are unique for depicting scenes of daily life and social customs of the time, such as water carriers, washerwomen, young musicians, or hunting scenes, suggesting a reflection on the connection between spiritual life and everyday existence. The ceilings and other surfaces are enriched by paintings by Pascoal José Parente, dated 1763, which employ the trompe l'oeil technique to create illusions of perspective and illustrate allegories of the Virtues, culminating in the figure of the Virgin in Glory in the central medallion of the nave. The sacristy complements this artistic richness, notably its ceiling with symbols of the Passion of Christ and a lavabo enveloped in gilded carving.
Among the sanctuary's treasures, its pipe organ stands out, an instrumental work of art completed in 1768 by the acclaimed organ master builder Francisco António Solha. This historic instrument is classified as a Property of Public Interest, and its melody still echoes in the space during special moments. A curious local legend is associated with the sanctuary's bells: it is said that their unique and rich sound comes from the fact that Canon Luís Bandeira Galvão cast gold coins into the molten metal during their creation, imparting a distinct and valuable timbre.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.70687412,-7.74262762
Coordinates DMS: 40°42'24.7"N 07°44'33.5"W
Weather São Miguel de Vila Boa
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