Audio GuideSanctuary of Peninha

Sitting high atop the misty hills of Sintra, the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha greets visitors with an air of timeless wonder. This historic chapel, whose name translates to Our Lady of Peninha, is perched on a rugged outcrop overlooking the sprawling Atlantic coastline. From here, the land stretches to the horizon, where cliffs meet the sea and the sky is often streaked with gold at sunset.

Nils Drechsel

The origins of the chapel date back over four hundred years, to the late sixteenth century. Built under the guidance of a devoted friar named Pedro da Conceição, it replaced earlier, more fragile sanctuaries repeatedly battered by the fierce mountain winds. Over time, the chapel became a sacred spot for those seeking miracles and solace, and legends soon began to swirl around it. One beloved tale tells of a shepherd girl, once unable to speak or hear, who was wondrously healed after an encounter with a mysterious lady believed to be the Virgin Mary.

André Fellows

Step inside and you are embraced by the calm of Baroque architecture. Curving shapes and ornate golden details line the interior, drawing the eye toward the altar. Along the walls, delicate blue and white tiles—known as azulejos—depict moving scenes from the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, a figure venerated by local Catholics. Over the centuries, these images have inspired faith and drawn pilgrims from nearby villages and distant lands, especially during annual celebrations held in late August.

Next to the chapel stands an imposing early twentieth-century palace, built in a dramatic, fortress-like revival style. This building was meant as a private residence, though it was never inhabited. Together, the old chapel and the palace frame the summit with a fascinating contrast between humble spiritual roots and grand architectural ambition.

The sanctuary’s story is steeped in both local myth and broader European traditions. As with other Marian sites in Portugal and Spain, tales of miraculous healings and divine apparitions have anchored the chapel’s place in the region’s culture. For many, it remains a destination for personal vows and pilgrimages—a link to history and faith.

The wind up on the hill carries the scent of the forest below and the salty breath of the ocean. Looking out from the site, visitors experience a panorama ranging from the Berlengas Islands in the north to Cape Espichel in the south. This stunning landscape shapes the identity of the sanctuary, inviting contemplation and offering a reminder of Portugal’s deep connection to sea and sky.

Recognized as a Property of Public Interest since the late nineteen seventies, the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha is protected as a vital piece of Portuguese heritage. The site welcomes all who seek beauty, mystery, and a touch of peace amid the windswept rocks.