Audio GuideSanctuary of Peninha

High on the mist-shrouded hills of Sintra, the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha welcomes visitors with an atmosphere of timeless enchantment. This historic chapel, named after Our Lady of Peninha, stands atop a rugged outcrop overlooking the vast Atlantic coast. From its vantage point, the landscape stretches to the horizon, where cliffs plunge into the sea and the sky is often painted gold as the sun sets.

Nils Drechsel

The chapel’s story begins more than four centuries ago, in the final years of the sixteenth century. Built under the guidance of the devoted friar Pedro da Conceição, it replaced earlier, less sturdy sanctuaries that were frequently battered by fierce mountain winds. Over time, the chapel established itself as a place of miracles and solace, inspiring local legends. One cherished tale tells of a young shepherd girl, once unable to speak or hear, who miraculously regained her senses after an encounter with a mysterious lady, said to have been the Virgin Mary.

André Fellows

Step inside, and a sense of calm Baroque splendour envelops you. Flowing curves and elaborate gilded details adorn the interior, drawing your eye towards the altar. Along the walls, delicate blue-and-white azulejos—traditional Portuguese tiles—depict touching scenes from the life of Mary, mother of Jesus, long revered by local Catholics. Over the years, these images have inspired devotion and attracted pilgrims from nearby villages and distant places, especially during the annual festivities held in late August.

Beside the chapel stands a striking palace from the early twentieth century, built in a dramatic, fortress-like revival style. Intended as a private residence, it was never actually inhabited. Together, the modest chapel and this imposing palace offer a captivating contrast between humble spiritual origins and grand architectural ambition.

The sanctuary’s history is woven from both local legend and broader European traditions. As at many Marian shrines in Portugal and Spain, stories of miraculous cures and heavenly apparitions have secured its place in the cultural landscape. For many, it still serves as a destination for personal vows and pilgrimages—an enduring link to history and faith.

The wind on the summit carries the earthy scent of the forests below and the salty tang of the ocean. From here, you can gaze out across a sweeping vista stretching from the Berlengas Islands in the north to Cape Espichel in the south. This breathtaking scenery defines the sanctuary’s character, inviting reflection and underscoring Portugal’s timeless bond with the sea and sky.

Declared a Property of Public Interest in the late nineteen-seventies, the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha remains protected as an important part of Portugal’s heritage. It welcomes all who seek beauty, curiosity, or a moment of peace among the wind-carved rocks.