Hello everyone, I hope you are well 😊 Today I went to visit the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia also known as the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I love this Sanctuary and I've been here a few times, the weather helped a lot, this is a fantastic day. I came with my family and the day was really fun 😊
Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, in Viana do Castelo, located on the hill with the same name (Santa Luzia), with impressive views, a must for all those who go to Viana do Castelo.
It is an impressive construction, located in one of the highest points of Viana do Castelo. The temple is small and the climb to the tower was closed. But the views are impressive. If you go up by car, don't be intimidated by the number of cars parked along the road. Upstairs, at the foot of the basilica, there is a small parking lot. But what the little gebt knows is that if you continue along the road and leave that parking lot behind, you will arrive at the back of the basilica, where there is another parking lot that is always empty.
The Santuario (or Basilica) of Santa Luzia is a Neo-Byzantine temple of the 20th century inspired by the Sacré-Coeur of Paris, it is one of the main tourist attractions in Viana do Castelo and rises to the top of Monte de Santa Luzia, 228 meters away over sea level. Its architect, Miguel Ventura Terra, died before being able to complete its construction and it would be his disciple Miguel Nogueira who would finish it in 1943. In its surroundings there are several pieces of a previous chapel and various instruments used in its construction and climbing its 145 narrow steps you reach the roof, from where you can see impressive views over the city, the Lima valley and the river that runs through it. empties into the ocean.
Going up to the dome (viewpoint) can be done by the side lift for 2€ or go up the stairs of all the temple. Not advisable for people with vertigo, in addition to the stairs to go up to the viewpoint, there is a height of approximately 60-70 cm. Stunning views, recognized by National Geographic.
Before its construction there was a small chapel, dedicated to Santa Luzia, patroness of the blind.
There's no point in going through Viana do Castelo and not letting yourself be enchanted by both the sanctuary's exterior and interior structure, one of the most beautiful I've seen to date, as well as the surrounding landscape. I even advise you to have a picnic and enjoy the scenery
I hope you liked it, see you soon friends 😊