For anyone visiting the region, it's impossible not to notice the grandiose Sanctuary of 'Nossa Senhora dos Remédios', erected on top of the hill of 'Santo Estevão'. This is a large shrine on Lamego's main avenue, at the top of an imposing staircase.
Although the current shrine is more recent, its history began with a smaller building from the 14th century, which was eventually demolished due to its condition. The current building we know was only built in 1750, in the 18th century, and was completed in 1905 with the construction of the sanctuary's second tower - some 155 years after it began.
Of particular note is the long staircase, made up of 686 steps and adorned with a series of sculptures, fountains, tile panels and other decorative elements, divided into nine levels along a length of 500 meters.
Among the various elements, the granite fountain next to the Sanctuary stands out. It was designed by Nicolau Nasoni, the famous architect responsible for the Clérigos Tower.
Also noteworthy is the 16th-century octagonal chapel and the Pátio dos Reis (Kings' Courtyard), made up of eight statues of Israel's kings and a 15-meter-high obelisk. At the end of the staircase, on Lamego's main avenue, four small fountains have been built, each in honor of a season.
Several structures have also been built in the surrounding park, covered in vegetation. These include the Mermaid Fountain which, despite its name, represents a merman riding a dolphin. There is also a cave, a lake, a bridge, a bandstand, several picnic areas and various small mysterious structures.
The Sactuary has free admission and is usually open, although it is more difficult to access at church time.
Entering this majestic building, we find the tomb of José Teixeira de Pinto, the founder of the shrine, in the entrance nave.
The altar features a wooden image of Our Lady, surrounded by gilded wood carvings. The side walls are decorated with three stained glass windows and several tile panels with different biblical representations. Despite the beauty of the altar and the stained glass windows, the element we liked most is the detail of the ceiling in blue and worked in white.
The so-called Lamego Festivities are held here every year in honor of Senhora dos Remédios. As well as being one of the largest pilgrimages in the country, it is also known as the Procession of Triumph, when the floats are pulled by oxen.
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