Monuments

On the eastern side of the city, dominating the landscape up over the Monte de São Gabriel (Saint Gabriel's Hill), there is the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (Our Lady of Incarnation). This place of pilgrimage was first developed in 1588 on the site of the Hermitage of Saint Gabriel on the orders of Pedro de Castilho. The great staircase was ordered cut in the 18th century by bishop Brother Miguel de Bolhões. His coat of arms can be found on one of the landings. September 24th, when the first stone was laid, was celebrated with great pomp and circumstance across the city, with the Marquis of Vila Real in attendance.

The gallery leading up to the entranceway is defined by seven arches with the central archway the tallest and bearing a worked frontage that incorporates a statue to the archangel Gabriel, testimony to the original object of worship. A depiction of the current devotion, Our Lady of Incarnation, is found on the main altar.

The church is finished in 17th century polychromatic tiles covered in paintings depicting aspects of Our Lady's life. In the upper choral chamber and over the main chapel, some paintings of a more popular nature detail miracles attributed to Our Lady.