As always, I saw a spectacular structure in the pictures on the Internet and wanted to know what it is. Unfortunately, there is very little information on Russian-language resources. Here's what you managed to find.
Basilica of Santa Luzia in Viana do Castelo in Portugal on the mountain of the same name, which can be seen from almost everywhere. You can get to it by funicular, the cost is 3 euros for a round-trip ticket. In the basilica itself there is an elevator, which for 1 euro you can get to the very dome, to the observation deck.
Here's what else is known …
There are cities, after visiting which, you feel like after a long walk, others require repeated visits, and still others wind up romantic memories. Viana do Castelo is deceptively simple: the old town is located between the railway and the high banks of Lima, the streets from the castle lead directly to the river mouth.
The best way to try to understand the city is to climb the Santa Luzia Hill (195m) for a panoramic view of the area and the ocean coast. At the top is the local shrine-basilica of Santa Luzia, an almost perfect imitation of the Parisian Sancre-Coeur de Montmartre. Not far away, a Celtic settlement with small huts and cobbled streets has been discovered and restored.
The main attractions of this ancient city are concentrated around the Republic Square (Praca da Republica). Many buildings of the XVI-XVII centuries are well preserved. The square is decorated with a medieval fountain on a stepped stylobate, 1553, crowned with a sphere with a cross - the symbol of the Order of Christ. Three Gothic arches and balconies above them adorn the powerful Gothic façade of the town hall of Pacos do Conseljo, 1502, and the coat of arms of João III is visible above the central balcony. Nearby, on the square, is the first House of Mercy in Portugal (Casa da Misericordia), built by order of the queen in 1589. The first floor of the building is decorated with columns and tiles. The balconies of the second and third floors are decorated with the pillars of grotesque creatures, at the top of the building is a crucifix. Later the Misericordia church was added.
Promotional video:
To the south of the square, on rua da Aurora do Lima, stands the 15th century parish church - Igreja Matriz, which looks more like a fortress. It is also called the Se Cathedral. One of the cathedral facades is decorated with a Gothic portal with figures of Christ and the Evangelists. From the figure of the Mother of God on the facade, you can recognize the chapel of the Nose Senhora da Agonia or the chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin, as it is called.
In Portugal, Catholic holidays are widely celebrated, especially the Feast of the Ascension. Viana do Castelo hosts a famous festival in August, which lasts three days. Women wear national costumes. It is believed that the inhabitants of Minhu have the most colorful national costumes. Sardines are fried on the streets, special cakes are prepared, buffoons and musicians put on fun performances. The whole festive procession marches through the streets to the river, where ships are solemnly lined up in the harbor.
Not far from the harbor, there is a small 15th century fort, Santiago da Barra, built by the Italian F. Terzi to protect the city from pirates. On Fridays, a fair is held near its walls. Here you can make a wide variety of purchases from hand-made embroidery of all kinds, shawls, scarves and blankets to filigree jewelry and tableware.
Traditional handicrafts from the northern region can be found at any Minghu store. However, Viano do Castelo is famous for its famous ceramic dishes, which have been made in the Darque factory since the 18th century, and for filigree decorations, the history of production, which dates back to the time of the Moors. After looking at local attractions and buying gifts for yourself and your family, you can relax in small cozy cafes, where you will be offered large portions of meat or fish dishes, a varied wine list and a wide range of cheeses.
I couldn't find anything else about the history of the basilica itself. Who will tell you the information?