Sanctuary of Peninha, Sintra

The Sanctuary of Peninha (Santuário da Peninha), nestled in the Sintra Mountains within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, stands as a historical and spiritual landmark in Portugal’s Lisbon District. Perched at an altitude of 448 meters atop a rocky outcrop, the site offers sweeping views of the coastline and inland areas, reaching up to 50 kilometers out to sea—a feature that historically attracted sailors’ families for both prayer and shipwatching.

The sanctuary complex includes a Baroque chapel (1710), the Palace of Peninha (1918), and hermitage remains. Although the chapel and palace interiors are closed, their historical value is captivating. The hermitage, dating to early Christianity in Portugal, features a medieval necropolis and a 12th-century cistern. It became a pilgrimage site under King John III (1521–1557) after a Virgin Mary apparition.

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Penha, completed in 1711 with support from King Dom Pedro II, is a gem of Baroque architecture. Its interior is adorned with intricate azulejos (tiled panels) depicting the life of the Virgin Mary, the Pentecost, and the childhood of Jesus, alongside marble inlays. The hermit Pedro da Conceição, who played a significant role in its construction, is commemorated within the chapel.

Efforts to preserve and enhance the sanctuary gained momentum in 2017 with plans for restoration, conservation, and integration with other landmarks in the Sintra Mountains, including the Anta de Adrenunes, Convent of the Capuchos, and Cabo da Roca. Today, the Sanctuary of Peninha stands as a testament to Portugal’s religious, cultural, and architectural heritage, blending natural beauty with centuries of history.