Description of the attraction
The Sanctuary Senor da Pedra is located outside the town of Obidos, close to the road that leads to Caldas do Raina, and is considered one of the most interesting churches in Portugal from an architectural point of view.
The building was built in the baroque style in the shape of a hexagon, under the direction of the architect Rodrigo Franca. The church was built from 1740 to 1747 on the site where a small chapel used to stand. The Sanctuary was built by order of King João V as a token of gratitude that he escaped death in an accident.
The beautiful hexagonal building is internally divided into three naves and has a green pyramidal roof. In front of the sanctuary there is a beautiful blue and white baroque fountain. An early Christian stone cross is installed on the main altar inside the temple - a sacred relic inherited from the old chapel. The side chapels are dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and the death of Saint Joseph and are decorated with paintings by the artist Jose da Costa Negreiroch on this theme. Another chapel is called "Calvary" and is decorated with paintings by another artist, Andre Gonçalves.
An unusual stone image depicting the crucified Jesus Christ, installed on an altar inside the temple, was kept by a hermit who lived near the road leading to Caldas do Raina. This image with a crucifix was the subject of special worship, especially by King Joao V. There is a legend that it was thanks to this image that King Joao V survived an accident.
The Sanctuary Senor da Pedra is an important place where pilgrims flock annually in May.
