The Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape Espichel alias (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mua Stone) is located in Cabo Espichel Sesimbra municipality.

In the mid-fourteenth century, a chapel was built to save an image of the Virgin, venerated long on top of the cliff where it was found. Around it grew modests homes to receive pilgrims in there demand, giving later (1715) place the construction of hostels with houses and shops, also known as House of Tapers.

To Lay of the Cape flock various and numerous groups of candles (large groups of pilgrims). Was the designated Candle Saloio (pilgrims nearby the capital) that fitted encouraging the construction of the sanctuary, as can be read on a plaque on the wall of the south side inns: “Homes of Our Lady cable made by Syrian account of. hillbillies in the year 1757 p. accommodation of stewards that may give bodo “.

Architectural ensemble of the Sanctuary

The Church of Our Lady of the Cape seventeenth century has his back to the sea. The church interior is decorated with baroque, votive paintings and frescoes. Also inside the church is a body with final characteristics of the century. XVIII / beginning of the century. XIX, possibly made in the workshop of Joaquim António Peres Fontanes.

On each side of the church there is a queue of accommodation for pilgrims called House of Tapers or simply inns, forming the Terreiro at Cape Espichel in the background one can see a cruise, where truly begins the Sanctuary.

Next to the church is the Chapel of Remembrance, a vaulted chapel, with blue tile panels and white inside. Outside are two pictures of tiled images that are highly degraded.

Next to the hostels are the ruins of the “Opera House”, built in 1770. It was designed to provide cultural activities, especially theater, for the pilgrims and revelers, having been used in shows promoted by the royal family, which also remained in the sanctuary throughout the festival period. In his stage act reached the greatest artists and theater groups from Europe, especially Italians, and the building divisions of support that ensured the permanence of these groups during the festivities.

Out of space itself the Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape, but still within the set is the Water House and the Aqueduct at Cape Espichel, very important buildings to the Sanctuary because this led to drinking water.