Perched atop a hill, a granite staircase leads to serenity. This is Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. The chapel stands in Rio de Moinhos, Penafiel in the Porto district.
Construction started in the 1890s. The Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios opened on December 8, 1904. A Catholic religious temple held its first Eucharist that day. Later, the first tower was built and inaugurated in 1912 on the left. The second tower on the right was inaugurated in 1931.
The Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios isn’t used for daily worship. However, masses are held annually during the Vila de Rio de Moinhos festivals. These honor Our Lord of Remedies on the second weekend of July. Even before the chapel existed, these festivals took place. A candle procession descends from the Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios to the Igreja Matriz. This procession is visible from dozens of kilometers away. On Sunday afternoon, another procession goes from the Igreja Matriz towards the Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Then, it returns to the church again.
Until 1991, Father Belmiro Moreira Azevedo de Matos said Mass every Saturday. The Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios sits about 245 meters above sea level. A granite staircase now provides access. A local couple who won the EuroMillions lottery donated it. This staircase was inaugurated on December 22, 2009.
From the Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios grounds, you can see five districts. These are Porto, Braga, Vila Real, Aveiro and Viseu.
Imagine pilgrims of old making their way here. They sought solace and blessings. Today, visitors still find peace in this sacred place. The Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios offers stunning views and a glimpse into local faith. Its history is etched in every stone and echoed in every prayer.