Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Church · Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo
Santuário de Santa Luzia
Templo do Sagrado Coração de Jesus on the hilltop of Santa Luzia, designed by Ventura Terra, with a lantern open to visitors and views over the mouth of the Lima; access by funicular.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Santuário de Santa Luzia
The sanctuary of Santa Luzia, officially the Templo do Sagrado Coração de Jesus, occupies the hilltop of Santa Luzia at about 230 metres above sea level and can be seen from almost the whole town. The design is by architect Miguel Ventura Terra, who was inspired by the Sacré-Coeur basilica in Paris. Construction began in 1904 and continued over decades, into the first half of the 20th century.
The church has a Greek-cross plan in a Neo-Byzantine style, with a large central dome. Inside, the stained glass and rose windows illuminate the nave. A stairway leads to the lantern at the top of the dome, from where you can see the mouth of the river Lima, the town, the beaches and the Atlantic.
The most common way up is the Elevador de Santa Luzia, a funicular inaugurated in 1923 that links the train-station area to the sanctuary. It covers about 650 metres and 160 metres of vertical difference—the largest of any funicular in Portugal. The elevator was restored and reopened in 2007.
Behind the church lie the ruins of the citânia de Santa Luzia, and beside it stands a historic hotel that is not part of the visit. Check funicular and lantern opening times before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours, including the funicular ride and the lantern.
Best time
On a clear day, in the morning or late afternoon for the best view of the mouth of the Lima. Funicular times change by season; check before you go.
How to get there
The Elevador de Santa Luzia departs near the train station in the centre. By car, take the hill road; there is parking by the sanctuary. On foot via a long staircase.
Tip
Climb up to the lantern: the final access is narrow, but it provides the widest view of the town and the river.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Santuário de Santa Luzia
How do you get to the santuário de Santa Luzia?
By funicular — the Elevador de Santa Luzia, which departs near the train station —, by car via the hill road, or on foot up the stairway.
Can you go up to the sanctuary's dome?
Yes — there is access to the lantern (cimborium) at the top of the dome, with views over the town and the foz do Lima. Check the opening times before you go.
Who designed the santuário?
The architect Miguel Ventura Terra, inspired by the Sacré-Coeur basilica in Paris.
When was the Santa Luzia funicular inaugurated?
In 1923. It was restored and returned to service in 2007.