The Confraternity of Our Lady of Abbey and the Council of Amares inaugurated the refurbishment of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Abadia on the 15th of June. The intervention covered the exterior space, the restoration of the pipe organ and the renovation of the tourist shop, an investment of around 1.4 million euros, subsidised by EU funds.  

The intervention, carried out by Signinum-Gestão do Património Cultural, has allowed the pipe organ to be heard again after 45 years and its balcony to be refurbished. The railing of the triumphal arch is back in place. The altar on the church's façade has been given new life, just as has the tourist shop, which now has a better visitor experience with an interactive screen for exploring the region.

The renovated street and the new stalls selling local products have elevated the dignity of the place and of the local sellers. The work also included the restoration of tile panels, mural painting and exterior stonework, the creation of a new velarium, the revision of the roof, the fitting of new windows, the painting of railings, doors and decorative elements. 

"An emblematic work"

"It's an emblematic work, because we're talking about the oldest Marian monastery in Portugal, dating back to the 13th century, and it shows Signinum's ability to be present at important moments, especially in the north of the country. It demonstrates the quality of our technicians and staff. All of our commitment, dedication and professionalism has been put in place to enhance this truly magical place," says the group's director DASigninum, Luís Aguiar Campos. "‘It's a moment of deep joy to contribute to the preservation of this heritage", he says. 

For the president of Associação das Terras Altas do Homem, Cávado e Ave (ATAHCA), professor José Mota Alves, "This is a good example of what should be done with cultural heritage in terms of preserving it, without tampering with it. It's an example that should be replicated elsewhere." 

‘It's a work that is a source of pride for the northern region,’ emphasised the president of the Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Norte, António Cunha, during the ceremony, which was also attended by the Minister for Agriculture and the Sea, José Manuel Fernandes. "Religious tourism is a force that we don't always realise. It accounts for 13 per cent of the tourism we have in Portugal," he concluded.