It is located on Monte de Penamourinho, parish of Soutelo, in the municipality of Vieira do Minho, district of Braga, Northern Region and sub-region of Ave.
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Lapa is located in the parish of Soutelo, municipality of Vieira do Minho, in a place with many shaded areas, some tables and benches for picnics here and next to it there is a wooden staircase that gives access to a viewpoint.
History of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lapa
The chapel was built in a cave beneath a granite block at the top of the hill and was one of the most important sanctuaries in Europe.
According to legend, an image of Our Lady of Lapa appeared to a little shepherd girl beneath a rock.
In 1805, the child's father, knowing what had happened, went to the place to observe the event.
The news quickly spread and pilgrimages to this place began, which began to be repeated every year at the beginning of June despite the difficult route to get there.
During the pilgrimage of June 1805, Father Rodrigues Ramos ordered the construction of this chapel in the place where the image appeared beneath the granite block and also that the surrounding area be prepared to receive as many pilgrims as possible.
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Lapa was built in 1694 by João Gonçalves and his wife Margarida da Silva.
The church was built in 1964 and stands out for its original construction as it was built inside a rock.
According to legend, an image of Our Lady of Lapa appeared to a little shepherd girl beneath a rock.
In 1805, the child's father, knowing what had happened, went to the place to observe the event.
The news quickly spread and pilgrimages to this place began, which began to be repeated every year at the beginning of June despite the difficult route to get there.
During the pilgrimage of June 1805, Father Rodrigues Ramos ordered the construction of this chapel in the place where the image appeared beneath the granite block and also that the surrounding area be prepared to receive as many pilgrims as possible.
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Lapa was built in 1694 by João Gonçalves and his wife Margarida da Silva.
The church was built in 1964 and stands out for its original construction as it was built inside a rock.
Characteristics of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lapa
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Lapa stands out for its originality as it was built inside a rock, the entrance door dates from 1898 and several inscriptions engraved on the ceiling and the framed painting with the history of the sanctuary written by Father José Maria Machado in 1851.
Near the Sanctuary there is a bandstand, several fountains, facilities that support the annual pilgrimage (Second Sunday in July) and a viewpoint.
The visitor has to go by car and climb the hill which has narrow asphalt roads that are passable.
Near the Sanctuary there is a bandstand, several fountains, facilities that support the annual pilgrimage (Second Sunday in July) and a viewpoint.
The visitor has to go by car and climb the hill which has narrow asphalt roads that are passable.
