If you take time and wander around the town there are many corners of Vila Vicosa which are fun to discover. This is a lovely town in which to relax for a few days.
Nossa Senhora de Lapa Sanctuary
This church is very much on one side of the town, and while the church itself is closed there is a charming garden next to the church and an extraordinary cross in front of the building.
The sanctuary for pilgrims was founded in the mid-1700s and there was an associated church. Apparently the hostel still exists – we noticed buildings behind the gardens but they were clearly private homes.
The Convent of Esperanca
In another corner of Vila Vicosa is a convent which dates from the 16th century when it was founded by the Duchess of Braganca, the wife of the fifth Duke. The nuns belonged to the Order of St Clare, i.e. they were Poor Clares.
The richness of the decoration inside the church is quite astonishing – the camera didn’t quite capture the rich gold, and the murals and frescoes in the church are apparently some of the best of the 17th century in Portugal
Walls are tiled up to the ceiling with tiles which also date from the 16th century.
The Chapel of St Francis is lined with statues of saints, male and female.
Vila Vicosa is a lovely town in which to spend a few days, just resting, wandering around or visiting interesting monuments.
More about Vila Vicosa:
I would love to hear from you!