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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
