Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré | Nazare

Information

Landmark: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré
City: Nazare
Country: Portugal
Continent: Europe

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, Nazare, Portugal, Europe

The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré is a 14th-century Marian shrine located in the Sítio district on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Nazaré, Portugal. It houses one of the oldest statues of the Virgin Mary in Europe and serves as a major site for religious pilgrimage.

Visual Characteristics

The current building, largely reconstructed in the 17th century, features a Baroque facade with a semi-circular staircase and two bell towers. The interior is defined by a single nave decorated with 18th-century Dutch azulejos (blue and white ceramic tiles) depicting biblical scenes. The high altar contains a gilded throne where the small wooden statue of the Black Madonna is displayed.

Location & Access Logistics

The sanctuary is situated on the Promontório do Sítio, 110 meters above the main beach of Nazaré. It is accessible from the lower town via the Ascensor da Nazaré (funicular) or by car via the Estrada Nacional 242. There is a large paved parking plaza (Praça Manuel Arriaga) directly in front of the church.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The original chapel was founded in 1377 by King Fernando I to house the sacred image brought from Spain in 711. The site expanded significantly under King João I and subsequent monarchs to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims. It is built on a limestone promontory that forms a natural defensive overlook above the coast.

Key Highlights & Activities

Religious services are held daily, with high-frequency attendance during the Festas em Honra de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré in September. Visitors can view the vast collection of Portuguese and Dutch tiles in the sacristy and transept. The viewing gallery for the sacred image is accessible through a side entrance for a closer perspective of the icon.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms are located on the western side of the main square. The plaza offers several shaded benches and 5G cellular coverage. Numerous souvenir shops and restaurants specializing in regional sweets and seafood are concentrated within 50 meters of the sanctuary entrance.

Best Time to Visit

The sanctuary is best visited in the early morning to avoid tour bus crowds and for soft lighting on the facade. Late afternoon is ideal for combining a visit with the sunset views from the nearby cliffs. September is the most culturally significant month due to the annual religious festivals.

Facts & Legends

According to the Legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho, in 1182, the nobleman was hunting in a dense fog when his horse nearly leapt off the cliff. He prayed to the Virgin Mary, and the horse stopped instantly at the edge; a hoofprint carved in the rock at the nearby Ermida da Memória is said to be physical proof of the miracle.