The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth (Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré) stands as a revered pilgrimage site in Nazaré, Portugal, perched atop the Sitio promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Built in the 14th century, the sanctuary honors the legendary statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have been brought to Portugal in the 4th century by a monk from Mérida.
The sanctuary is deeply connected to the Miracle of Nazaré, a tale from 1182 involving Dom Fuas Roupinho, a local nobleman. According to legend, Dom Fuas was chasing a deer in thick fog when his horse suddenly stopped at the edge of a cliff. As he prayed for help to Our Lady, the horse miraculously halted, saving his life. In gratitude, Dom Fuas ordered the construction of a small chapel, known as the Hermitage of Memory (Ermida da Memória), to house the revered statue.
The current Baroque-style sanctuary, completed in the 17th century, features an ornate interior with intricate azulejo tilework depicting biblical scenes and the miracle itself. The statue of Our Lady, adorned with a golden robe, remains the centerpiece of devotion, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
The sanctuary offers a magnificent view of Nazaré, blending spiritual significance with the town’s natural beauty. It is particularly vibrant during the annual Festival of Our Lady of Nazaré on September 8th, when pilgrims gather to celebrate the Virgin Mary and honor the site’s centuries-old traditions.
Start your journey at Nazaré’s beach, where the scent of the sea and the bustle of fresh seafood restaurants set the tone. From here, make your way to the historic funicular, a 19th-century marvel connecting the lower town to Sítio, the cliffside district perched high above.
At the top, visit Ermida da Memória, the small chapel tied to the legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho. In 1182, while chasing a deer on horseback, he narrowly avoided plunging off the cliff when he prayed to the Virgin Mary, who miraculously stopped his horse. Nearby, the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, built in the 16th century, stands as a guardian over Praia do Norte, where the world’s largest waves draw surfers from across the globe.
On your descent, stroll through the nostalgic streets of Nazaré’s lower town, where tiled facades, narrow alleys, and the rhythm of local life immerse you in the town’s enduring spirit. This walk captures Nazaré’s dual essence: the raw power of the ocean and the intimate charm of its community.