Our Lady of the Good News

The church - the strength of the vote of the Salate · Terena (Evora)

In the village of Terena, in the Alentejo, one of the few Christian-Gothic fortress that is preserved in Portugal is raised: the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Boa Nova, linked by tradition to the "good news" of the victory of the battle of the Salado.

Origin and history

The place of worship dates back to the 13th century, and the present temple - a remarkable church - a fortress of Gothic style - rose in the 14th century. The tradition attributed its construction to Doña María de Portugal, daughter of Afonso IV and wife of Alfonso XI de Castilla, in fulfilment of a vote for victory in the battle of the Salado (1340). The title "Boa Nova" (Good News) is related to the news of that victory, which the queen would have received in this place.

The account of the origin of the name is transmitted as legend. It is documented, on the other hand, that it is one of the few full examples of iglesia- fortress of Portugal, classified National Monument since 1910, and the seat of one of the oldest paschal romaneries of the Alentejo. His most characteristic rite is the "Find": the image comes down in the procession of candles to the parent church of Terena, where he meets that of St Peter; on the Monday of Pascuilla he solemnly returns to the sanctuary.