Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, Religious sanctuary in Quintela, Portugal
The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Lapa is a baroque sanctuary built against a large granite rock formation. The interior features columns supporting the roof and walls decorated with blue and white glazed tiles, while a small oratory contains a handcrafted nativity scene.
A small chapel was first built at the site in the late 1400s following a reported discovery, and the present structure was constructed in the 1600s under Jesuit supervision. The sanctuary grew over time into a significant pilgrimage destination in the region.
The chapel has drawn pilgrims from surrounding lands for centuries, making it a center for local religious devotion. Visitors gather here to pray before an image of the Virgin Mary that was discovered within the rock, creating a spiritual focus for the community.
The chapel welcomes visitors during the day and is particularly busy on three major religious dates throughout the year. It is easier to explore the space and see the decorations when you visit outside of these peak pilgrimage periods.
According to local tradition, a girl who could not speak found an image of the Virgin Mary hidden within the rock and regained her voice after the discovery. This reported healing brought the location widespread attention and transformed it into one of the region's most visited shrines.
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