Nuestra Señora de Peneda: un Santuario de Montaña en el Norte de Portugal

Abstract

This paper explores the symbolic dimension of the Catholic mountain sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda, one of the main centers of pilgrimage in northern Portugal. Nestled at the foot of one of the most majestic rocky "penedos"  and dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows, this famous shrine in the Alto Minho basin stands out for its spectacular location. For centuries, pilgrims have defied ancient mountain paths, traveling dozens of kilometers on foot to bring prayers and offerings to an ancient image of the Virgin, considered capable of performing great miracles. This research is part of the studies that the author has been carrying out for three decades on sacred mountains of the world. Field work is based on observations along the Via Crucis and sanctuary, a solitary ascent to Penedo Meadinha, the exploration of ancient pilgrimage paths, and informal interviews with tourists, residents, devotees and caretakers of the sanctuary and its hostel for pilgrims.