Culture
Culture
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The sixteenth-century Hermitage of Our Lady of Peace is prior to 1522, was rebuilt in 1764 and often restored over the centuries. According to tradition, the Hermitage was built on the site where a shepherd found an image of Our Lady in a cave.
In 1968 the imposing staircase of 100 steps and 10 levels was built. The staircase represents on its levels the Our Fathers of the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries and the steps refer to the Hail Marys. The total set represents two-thirds of the rosary.
The temple was designed by Alberto Albergaria da Silva Pacheco, and the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries of Christ are represented in five tile panels, behind the Hermitage. At the base of the staircase is the bust of Prior António Jacinto de Medeiros, a priest of the Mother Church for 58 years and responsible for several improvements in the Hermitage.
The Baroque-style church typical of the region has two naves and a chancel. Inside there is a sink of holy water decorated with frowning. The walls are plastered and painted white and the naves are separated by three perfect round arches.
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