Doesn’t the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Assunção exude a sense of serenity? It is a sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Assunção stands majestically atop a mountain in Monte Córdova. From here one can see the valleys of the Ave River.
The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Assunção is a neo-Romanesque church built of granite. Construction began in 1934. Ernesto Korrodi designed this revivalist neo-Romanesque architecture in 1919. Later, in 1929, sculptor João de Afonseca Lapa created the statue of Our Lady.
José Bento Correia launched a public subscription in 1896. He wanted to build a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. He was the director of the Jornal de Santo Tirso. A commission was elected to oversee the process. The Government Civil of Porto approved the statutes in 1897.
In 1901, the Irmandade de Nossa Senhora da Assunção built the Capela Velha. They had help from António Maria Lopes. A 18th-century altarpiece of unknown origin was used in it. The Irmandade de Nossa Senhora da Assunção commissioned Ernesto Korrodi to design the new sanctuary in 1919.
A commission was established in 1923. They promoted work in the woods and construction of the new temple. The first stone of the building was laid on September 2, 1929. In 1934, the sanctuary was inaugurated by Cardinal Cerejeira.
On August 15, 1939, the statue of the patron saint was moved to the site. Manuel Eduardo de Sousa offered stairs from Santo Tirso. They began assembling them. The work was probably completed by 1970.
The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Assunção has a Greek cross plan. It has similar facades marked by buttresses. The perfect arch windows form two and three-light windows. The main facade is harmonious. It is finished with a gable. The facade has a protruding portal with a hollowed perfect arch. Romanesque inspiration is evident. Two bell towers flank it. Cornices sit on corbels topping the facades.
Inside, a high choir overlooks the crossing. Perfect arches mark the transept’s crossing. The chancel features blind arches. Clerestory windows brightly illuminate it. A simple altar table stands within. Two false apsidioles connect to annexes. These interconnect creating a false ambulatory. The sacristy is integrated. A large cabinet marks it.
The main facade faces west. Two registers section the central body. A gallery with nine stilted arches tops it. Small columns support the arches. The lower register has a projecting portal. It is inscribed in an angular gable. Five archivolts compose the hollowed arch. These rest on pillars and three colonnettes. The exterior and imposts are adorned with beak friezes. Two perfect arch windows flank it. Three perfect arches mark the second register. Columns on plinths support the wider central arch. A wall fills the central arch. It has a large rose window. A small curtain door at the base accesses a balcony. The balcony has a solid stone railing. The side arches are open. They have perfect arch windows.
Asymmetrical towers flank the facade. The left tower has a square base with a window. The faceted body rises from it. The front face has two rows of windows. A faceted top with perfect arch openings tops it. Columns support these openings. The right tower is rectangular. It has two windows. Two perfect arch windows sit at the top.
Inside, the walls of the nave and transept are plastered and painted white. A high stone wainscot runs along them. In the transept area, polychrome patterned tile panels top the wainscot. Stone covers the architectural elements. False cradle vaults cover the ceilings. The floor is paved with slabs. The transept’s crossing marks the structure. Three wide perfect arches rest on tall columns. Smooth shafts and foliage adorn the capitals. The arch facing west accesses the nave. A high choir supported by a triple arcade marks the nave. The central opening is larger. A metal railing protects it. Perfect arch doors provide access from the towers. Curtain doors are in the sub-choir. One of them is blocked.
On August 15th, a pilgrimage is held here. This is the day of Our Lady of the Assumption. The Sanctuary is a place of devotion. It honors Our Lady of the Assumption. Take a moment to appreciate the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Assunção. Consider its history and its place in the hearts of the faithful.