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All Portugal Viana do Castelo Santuário do Sagrado Coração de Jesus
AO Edited

Santuário do Sagrado Coração de Jesus

An icon of the city, this chapel features an amazing dome ceiling and offers panoramic views.

Viana do Castelo, Portugal

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Hanna V.
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Entrance of the church.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
Entrance of the church.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
Inside of the church.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
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About

There are many good reasons to visit Viana’s eucalyptus-clad hill. The location offers an amazing view down the coast and up the Lima valley, along with a tram ride up the mountain. However, perhaps the most important feature of the hill is the 20th-century, neo-Byzantine Santuário de Santa Luzia.  The temple honors Santa Luzia (Saint Lucy), the Patron Saint of Sight. The people of Viana still climb to the top on Sundays closest to the date of the Sacred Heart of Jesus’s celebrations. Architecturally, the building has a Greek cross plan of Byzantine influence. This can be seen in the massive dome located in the center of the building, as well as in the smaller domes that stand on the four towers. Viewable from miles away, this church is an undeniable landmark in the region. 

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Churches Architecture Domes Sacred Spaces

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You can get up the mountain by the restored funicular, which departs from near the train station every 15 minutes.

You can also drive or take a taxi to the top, or hike 2 kilometers of steps (only for the fit and/or penitent). The road starts by the hospital, and the steps begin about 200 meters up the road. 

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Vrielinkie

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cgslopes, Travel Maven, lucasbarros, rudimarnitz e86d1c9f

  • cgslopes
  • Travel Maven
  • lucasbarros
  • rudimarnitz e86d1c9f

Published

June 21, 2021

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  • http://www.cm-viana-castelo.pt/pt/funicular-de-santa-luzia
  • https://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal/viana-do-castelo/attractions/monte-de-santa-luzia/a/poi-sig/475642/360381
Santuário do Sagrado Coração de Jesus
1940 N13-6
Viana do Castelo, 4900
Portugal
41.701639, -8.835059
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Gil Eannes

Viana do Castelo, Portugal

miles away

Mills of Folon and Picon

O Rosal, Spain

miles away

Polychrome Augustus of Prima Porta

Braga, Portugal

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo

Portugal

Places 2

Nearby Places

Gil Eannes

Viana do Castelo, Portugal

miles away

Mills of Folon and Picon

O Rosal, Spain

miles away

Polychrome Augustus of Prima Porta

Braga, Portugal

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo

Portugal

Places 2

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