Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro, Braga, Portugal

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro is a shrine in Espinho, in the surroundings of the city of Braga. ts construction was initiated in the 19th century, by Father Martinho da Silva, in neoclassical style. Artistically not have much interest except the silver tabernacle that we can see on the main altar and the image of the patron saint, held in Rome by the sculptor Eugénio Maccagnani and brought to the sanctuary in 1880.

Construction was begun on 14 July 1863 on the domed church of Nossa Senhora do Sameiro (Our Lady of Sameiro). The founder of the shrine was the Vicar of Braga, Padre Antonio Martinho Pereira da Silva. The sanctuary is the largest Marian devotional shrine in Portugal, second only to the Sanctuary of Fátima.

Pope Pius IX granted the decree of Canonical coronation towards the Marian image on 22 December 1876. The rite of coronation was executed on 12 June 1904 via Archbishop Giuseppe Macchi.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Portugal

User Reviews

Pablo Figueiredo (5 months ago)
Amazing experience, the building is colossal, it makes you feel like an ant, although it is not as impressive when you enter it, it’s really basic church stuff. Nice place to watch the sunset.

Jorge Baptista (7 months ago)
Oh this place is so worth to visit just for the sunset alone. It is really magnificent. It is also good for a walk and you have many great views of the cities and landscape from above. Just like Bom Jesus this is a must see if you are in Braga or close. You have multiple places to sit down and relax in this quiet place and I believe there is also a restaurant or bar at the site if you get hungry (closes late afternoon). When I visited there was some exposition downstairs.

Shiva Prasad (8 months ago)
Fantastic views of the city.. And the cool breeze on a summer evening feels refreshing.. Best place in the city for sunset views..

Amnah Amjad (9 months ago)
Beautiful sanctuary. Very secluded and amazing architecture. Beautiful city views from the top. I would recommend to go and see first this sanctuary and then go down to Bom Jesus by walk as it will be downhill walk.

Yossi Gabay (12 months ago)
Very beautiful place, beautiful panoramic view of the valley, breathtaking. The church is large and impressive. The church is located at the top of the mountain, quiet, hear the birds chirping. A huge staircase from the church down the mountain.

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The site appears to have been abandoned again around 1800 BC, at the onset of the Nuragic age.

The monument was partially reconstructed during the 1980s. It is open to the public and accessible by the old route of SS131 highway, near the hamlet of Ottava. It is 14,9 km from Sassari and 45 km from Alghero. There is no public transportation to the site. The opening times vary throughout the year.

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