Visiting the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta, Portugal

Portugal is a country with a strong religious heritage. Evidence of this is the many monuments related to religion that exist in the country. In this post, we talk about the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta, the second largest Portuguese sanctuary*.

The Sanctuary is located right in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, specifically in the parish of Rio Caldo, in the municipality of Terras de Bouro, Braga district. Thanks to its prime location, the sanctuary offers memorable views over the Rio Homem and the surrounding mountains.

Read also: Gerês: Itinerary for an Amazing Day


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sanctuary of são bento da porta aberta
sanctuary of são bento da porta aberta

Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta

The Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta (Sanctuary of Saint Benedict of the Open Door) has its roots in the 17th century, when a small chapel was built in honour of Saint Benedict. The name “Open Door” reflects Benedictine hospitality, symbolising that everyone is welcome. Over time, devotion to the saint grew, and the sanctuary was expanded to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims. Today, the sanctuary welcomes thousands of visitors and pilgrims each year.

In the Sanctuary, there are two churches. The Basilica is the oldest church, with its construction beginning in 1880 and finishing in 1895. It proved to be too small for the number of pilgrims visiting the sanctuary, and in 1994, the construction of a new space, the Crypt, was decided. It was inaugurated in 1998 and completed in 2002.

sanctuary of são bento da porta aberta
sanctuary of são bento da porta aberta
sanctuary of são bento da porta aberta
sanctuary of são bento da porta aberta

The crypt is a building with very interesting architecture. It is a very open space, allowing plenty of light to enter. Inside, you will find various statues, as well as ten tile panels depicting the life of St. Benedict.

The landscape from the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta

As mentioned, the Sanctuary is in a privileged location, and the surrounding landscape is well worth admiring. From the Sanctuary, you can see the River Homem, the surrounding mountains, and the Caniçada Reservoir.

sanctuary of são bento da porta aberta
sanctuary of são bento da porta aberta
sanctuary of são bento da porta aberta

The Sanctuary also has a park, a green space where you can go for walks, have picnics, go boating, or simply relax. Near the Sanctuary, you will also find stalls selling local products, such as honey, bread and cakes, traditional drinks, handicrafts, and religious items.

*Information taken from the Sanctuary’s website.

Some Additional Facts about the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta

Patron Saint: Saint Benedict of Nursia

Main Pilgrimages: 21 March (Death of St. Benedict); 11 July (Feast of the Patron Saint of Europe); 10 to 15 August (Major Popular Pilgrimage)

Cost of Visit: Free of charge

How to Reach the Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta

The best way to reach the Sanctuary is by car. The sanctuary offers parking for visitors, although parking may be limited on major pilgrimage days. You can find route suggestions from Braga and Porto on the Sanctuary’s website.


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sanctuary of são bento da porta aberta
sanctuary of são bento da porta aberta

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