Santuario da Penha (Sanctuary of Penha), Guimaraes

The Penha Sanctuary, perched atop Monte da Penha, is a testament to architectural ingenuity and spiritual significance. The sanctuary's construction, initiated on August 6, 1930, followed the visionary design of architect Marques da Silva.

Crafted predominantly from locally sourced granite, the Penha Sanctuary seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings. Straying from traditional architectural norms, the structure embraces modern lines, characterized by straight contours that align with the "Art Deco" style prevalent in the 1930s. This innovative design reflects a commitment to harmonizing the sanctuary with the scenic landscape of Monte da Penha.

The sanctuary's journey faced an unfortunate setback with a fire on February 13, 1939, resulting in the destruction of the image of Senhora da Conceicao and the intricate carving that adorned the main altar. This incident temporarily halted the construction process, but determination prevailed.

Finally, on September 14, 1947, the Penha Sanctuary was inaugurated, marking the culmination of architectural vision and spiritual devotion. The ceremony, however, was bittersweet, as architect Marques da Silva had passed away three months prior, unable to witness the completion of his visionary creation.