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.
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.
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.
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.