By the GoNazaré Team●4 September 2015
Nazare Religious Heritage
Sanctuaries, chapels and churches that tell the story of faith in Nazaré, from the Sítio to Pederneira and Famalicão.
Come and visit the amazing Nazare Religious Heritage. See with your own eyes the place where Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral prayed before they went to India and Brazil.
Experience the places where the legend of Nazare happened and take lot´s of pictures.
Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Sanctuary
Built in the 14th century by order of D. Fernando, the Nossa Senhora da Nazare Sanctuary is the oldest Marian Sanctuary in Portugal and is linked to the Legend of Nazare and D. Fuas Roupinho.
In that place and in function of the Sanctuary the Sítio da Nazaré and the village itself developed.
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré has been refurbished several times over the centuries and has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1978.
Memória Chapel
Built in the 14th century, over the legendary cave of Nazare, the Memória Chapel, like the Nossa Senhora da Nazare Sanctuary, is linked to the Legend of Nazare and the unavoidable D. Fuas Roupinho.
The roof of the vault of Memória Chapel is also covered with figurative tiles depicting D. Fuas Roupinho, which you cannot fail to contemplate.
Its connection to the Legend of Nazare makes Memória Chapel one of the most visited places not only by pilgrims but also by tourists and the curious, and a visit to the place is mandatory.
Santo António Chapel
Located on Avenida Manuel Remígio, right in front Nazare Beach, the Santo António Chapel was built in the second half of the 19th century by local fishermen and at their expense, which is why it is a testimony with special significance for the local community.
The social importance of this building is complemented by its artistic richness, highlighting in this aspect the main façade covered with tiles that deserves special attention and that you should not forget to take into account.
In addition to the charms of the Santo António Chapel, as well as the rest of the county’s religious heritage, remember that very close by, in addition to the magnificent Praia da Nazaré, you also have the Nazare Cultural Center where you can enjoy the local cultural proposals.
Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos
According to the legend the construction of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos Chapel is due to the fact that Frei Rodrigo and Frei Romano arrived there bringing the image of Nossa Senhora da Nazare who later would go to Sítio da Nazaré.
The Baroque altarpiece and the boards representing S. Gabriel and Nossa Senhora da Anunciação stand out in Nossa Senhora dos Anjos Chapel.
Pederneira Parish Church
Dating from the 16th century, the Pederneira Parish Church in Nazare is yet another exceptional example of religious architecture that you can contemplate in the municipality.
Also known as the Church of the Parish Factory of Nossa Senhora das Areias and S. Pedro da Pederneira, it is located, as its name indicates in the current parish of Pederneira.
In the past, Pederneira was the seat of one of the coutos of Alcobaça, dating from those times the construction of the Parish Church.
At that time Pederneira was the county seat having lost that status to Nazaré in 1912.
There are several theories about who had this beautiful building built.
Pederneira Santa Casa da Misericórdia Church
The importance of the Pederneira Santa Casa da Misericórdia Church in the most varied aspects was consecrated with the classification as a Building of Public Interest in seventies.
Built in a first version in the 16th century to house the Brotherhood of Misericórdia da Pederneira, the Church in Nazare was later built in the current version in the 17th century.
From an artistic point of view, it deserves to be highlighted for its decoration both outside and inside, being at this level an important example of the local religious heritage.
Built in a chronological period in which Pederneira was the seat of the municipality, its importance is revealed not only in the artistic scope but also from the historical and social point of view, being yet another testimony that remains from the times when Pederneira was the political center and local administrative.
São Gião Church
Classified as a National Monument since 1986, the São Gião Church is located in the parish of Famalicão da Nazare, is a Visigothic and Roman temple.
The exact date of its construction is not known, but it is believed that it was probably built in the 7th century.
Despite its importance, this monument went unnoticed until the 1960s of the 20th century, when it was finally discovered.
Since that decade it has been in a slow process of restoration, conservation and recovery.
Guided tour
A local guide takes you to the Sítio, the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort and the town’s traditions, with the stories you will not find in guidebooks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important religious monument in Nazaré?
The Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Sanctuary at the Sítio, linked to the Legend of Nazaré and one of the oldest Marian pilgrimage sites in Portugal.
Where is the São Gião Church?
In the parish of Famalicão, near Praia do Norte. It has been classified as a National Monument since 1986.
More about Nazaré
This article was prepared by the GoNazaré team, the Nazaré tourist guide. Please check dates, opening hours and prices before your visit.