Viewpoint and Chapel of Our Lady of Peace – Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island

The Viewpoint and Chapel of Our Lady of Peace are located at the top of Monte de Nossa Senhora da Paz, in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, on the island of São Miguel. With a magnificent view of Vila Franca do Campo and the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, it is worth climbing the extensive staircase to reach the top.

The landscape is characterized by the contrast between the white houses and the lush green meadows. This location is a must-stop and visit for anyone traveling to Vila Franca do Campo.

Ermida Nossa Senhora da Paz, Vila Franca do Campo I
Fotografia de Lchacal

Viewpoint

The viewpoint is situated at an altitude of 215 meters and also serves as parking for those wishing to visit and climb to the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace.

Vila Franca do Campo vista do Miradouro Nossa Senhora da Paz
Fotografia de Lchacal

The Chapel of Our Lady of Peace

The 16th-century Chapel of Our Lady of Peace predates 1522, was reconstructed in 1764, and has been frequently restored over the centuries. According to tradition, the chapel was built at the site where a shepherd found an image of Our Lady in a cave.

Nossa Senhora da Paz
Fotografia de Cristina Pinto

In 1968, the imposing staircase of 100 steps and 10 landing points was constructed. The landings represent the Our Fathers of the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries, while the steps correspond to the Hail Marys. The total assembly represents two-thirds of the rosary.

The temple was designed by Alberto Albergaria da Silva Pacheco, and the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries of Christ are depicted in five tile panels behind the chapel. At the base of the staircase stands the bust of Prior António Jacinto de Medeiros, the parish priest for 58 years, responsible for numerous improvements to the chapel.

Interior Ermida Nossa Senhora da Paz, Vila Franca do Campo I
Fotografia de Lchacal

The church, in the typical Baroque style of the region, features two naves and a main chapel. Inside, there is a font for holy water decorated with gargoyles. The walls are plastered and painted white, and the naves are separated by three perfect round arches.

Of great beauty, the chapel is one of the most renowned in the region, especially for the exceptional view it offers of the sea and the entire islet. The Chapel of Our Lady of Peace was classified by the Regional Government of the Azores in 1991 as a Property of Public Interest.

Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz
Fotografia de Ana Rodrigues

During intense pirate and corsair attacks, the faithful placed all their faith in this temple.

Legend of Our Lady of Peace

According to a legend, many shepherds worked in the region of Vila Franca do Campo. One day, seeking shelter from bad weather in a cave, they found an image of the Virgin.

They took it to the parish priest of the Main Church, and to his surprise, the next day it was back in the cave. This episode occurred over several days until the faithful understood that Our Lady wanted a temple in that location.

Construction materials were then transported to a sheltered area from the strong winds, slightly below where the image had been found. The following day, they discovered the materials overturned and stones placed where the Virgin had been found.

It was in that location that the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace was built, with the infant Jesus in her arms holding an olive branch. From its site, there is a fantastic view of that stretch of the island’s southern coast.

Two years after its construction, a great earthquake destroyed nearly the entire village. Monks disappeared, the main church was devastated, yet the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace remained intact.

Religião
Fotografia de Rica Mendez

Location on the Map

Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Paz
Fotografia de Nuno Vieira

Vila Franca do Campo I
Fotografia de Nuno Bicho

Video

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The Viewpoint and Chapel of Our Lady of Peace are essential stops for anyone traveling to the magnificent island of São Miguel. The indescribable view from the top of the hill is unmissable and conveys a peace and tranquility worthy of a visit.

Also see: Places to visit on São Miguel Island