Our Lady of Nazaré Sanctuary

Visitor's Guide

Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, Nazaré

The twin-towered exterior of the church

Although it is a 17th-century baroque monument, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré stands on the site of an earlier church, built in 1377 after a growing number of pilgrims visited the small Memória Chapel across the square.

Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Church

The baroque interior of the church

It became home to a revered image of the Virgin, said to have been carved in Nazareth (present-day Israel) and which gave the town its name. Featuring two bell towers outside, it suffered alterations inside throughout the centuries, especially in the late 1600s.

Azulejos, Nazaré

Dutch tile panels cover entire walls in the church

The main altar is covered in gilded woodwork, which shines between walls covered in blue-and-white tile panels. Those were created in the 1700s by Dutch master W. Van Kloet and depict scenes from the Old Testament.

Nazaré church

The church's small dome

In the sacristy is a display of sacred art, plus paintings and tile panels illustrating the legend of Our Lady of Nazaré.

How to Get to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré


From the center of Nazaré, down by the beach, take the funicular to Sítio. The church is just a few feet behind the funicular station.