Nossa Senhora da Ajuda Church
Nossa Senhora da Ajuda Church
The construction of the Nossa Senhora da Ajuda Church in Peniche, says the legend, is due to the appearance of an image of the Virgin in a cave of Papoa.
The Nossa Senhora da Ajuda Church has undergone interventions over the centuries that, in the first phase, involved promoting the expansion of the building.
At a later stage, the interventions aimed to enrich its interior with tile covering, gilded altarpieces on the altars and even wooden sculptures.
These interventions gave the Church a greater prominence, contributing so that it has become not only a temple dedicated to religious beliefs but also an attraction as an example of artistic heritage.
For this reason, the 18th century tile panels on the side walls with various profane episodes deserve your contemplation.
Highlights
Also, the ceiling lined with painted boxes presents profane episodes with great artistic quality.
And you can also pay attention to the gilded altarpieces from the 17th and 18th centuries and wooden sculptures with representations of S. Pedro Gonçalves Telmo, São Vicente, Nossa Senhora da Piedade and Nossa Senhora da Ajuda.
The historical but also artistic importance of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda also motivated its classification as a Property of Public Interest in 1963.
For all reasons, the Nossa Senhora da Ajuda Church is another mandatory stop on the Route of the Churches of the Council of Peniche and is clearly one of the greatest historical and artistic attractions that you must visit!
Religious celebrations in the Church1 0take place from Tuesday to Saturday at 8:30 am and Sundays at 9:30 am.