You already know how much we love Lisbon’s viewpoints, but there is one in particular that completely captivates us with the beauty of the city, the Senhora do Monte viewpoint, which is also where the Ermida da Senhora do Monte chapel is located, in Graça, about which we bring you a very special story today . But we’ll get to that later!
Those who come to this viewpoint, one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of the city, easily turn their backs on the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte, which is right next door, but rarely visited by those passing by.
Well, we say: they don’t know what they’re missing!
From “almost” unknown to “miraculous”
Also known as the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte, this small church was built shortly after the reconquest of Lisbon and was dedicated to São Gens, the city’s first bishop.
Entrusted to the Augustinian friars, it is in this chapel that you will find a very special stone chair, which belonged to the saint and which, they say, brings good luck to those who are “hoping.”
Legend has it that all pregnant women who sit here will have uncomplicated births.
This story has endured (and we believe it still endures) for several centuries, and even Maria Anna of Austria, wife of John V, sat there when she was pregnant with the heir to the throne, Joseph I, in 1714.
Reconstruction after 1755
The Chapel of Senhora do Monte was also one of the buildings damaged by the terrible earthquake of 1755 that devastated Lisbon from one end to the other.
It was only in 1796 that it was completely rebuilt to become what you can see there today, in a project by Honorato José Teixeira.
The small chapel is very simple, with a single Baroque nave, where two small altars stand out .
Inside, there is little room for many visitors at the same time, but we challenge you to take a look at the Baroque altarpiece with the image of Nossa Senhora do Monte, the Rococo-style tile panels depicting scenes from the life of Mary, an Indo-Portuguese ivory Christ, and an 18th-century nativity scene.
Not to mention, of course, the famous chair of São Gens, which is completely embedded in the rock and covered in marble.
Outside, as you know, you have a spectacular view over the city of Lisbon! And all around, leafy trees welcome you under their shade while you enjoy, with all the calm in the world, the Castle of São Jorge, the Tagus River , the 25 de Abril Bridge, Martim Moniz, and downtown Lisbon.
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