Description of the attraction
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro (or the Sameiro sanctuary) is located two kilometers from the sanctuary of Bon Jesus do Monti and is located on the highest hill of Braga (more than 500 m above sea level), from where a stunning view of the city opens. Basically, in the vicinity of the city of Braga, there are three main sanctuaries of Portugal, which are dedicated to the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. The first is the Sanctuary of Bon Jesus do Monti, the second is the Sanctuary of Sameiro, and the third is the Church of St. Mary Magdalene.
Sameiro Sanctuary is one of the most popular in Portugal and the second largest center for the worship of the Virgin Mary after the city of Fatima. On the first Saturday in June and the last Saturday in August, thousands of pilgrims gather here. The construction of the neoclassical domed church, founded by the vicar of Braga, Padre Antonio Martino Pereira da Silva, began in July 1863. Inside the church there is a high altar made of white granite, there is a silver shrine and a sculpture of Our Lady of the famous 19th century sculptor Eugenio Maccagnani. An impressive staircase leads to the temple, and at the top, in front of the entrance to the temple, there are two columns with statues of the Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In 1982, Pope John Paul II, during his visit to Portugal, celebrated Mass in this temple. More than one hundred thousand people gathered for the sermon, which was dedicated to the values of family ties. And some time later, a monument to John Paul II himself was erected at the foot of the stairs. There is also a monument to another pope, Pius IX, which was erected in 1954.
