Nossa Senhora da Piedade
Perched high on a hill, overlooking the Algarve, Nossa Senhora da Piedade at Loulé is one of those places I’d always meant to visit. When I finally did, it had a wonderful surprise in store.
A ‘scramble’ of a market town, Loulé dates back at least till Roman times. We’ll have a wander through the historic centre shortly, but first I want to take you up to the heights with me.
Looking down from the Chapel
The original Chapel of our Lady of Mercy (Nossa Senhora da Piedade) was built in 1553, but was partially destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. Driving along the A22 motorway past Loulé, the modern dome is clearly visible above the town. I had often wondered how it looked in close up.
The dome in close up, with alarmingly grey skies
Looking up to the bell tower
On Easter Sunday a huge celebration begins here, Festa da Mãe Soberana (the feast of the Sovereign Mother). A statue of the patron saint is carried from her resting place, in the Sanctuary, down the hill to the Church of San Francisco, on Festa Pequena.(Small Feast) Two weeks later, on Festa Grande, she is returned to her home on the holy mountain, with full ceremony, prayers and fireworks. I would love to see the spectacle of the procession. For now I have to content myself with a look at Mãe Soberana, quietly waiting.
The statue, resting inside the Sanctuary
From afar the domed building appears to be the entirety of the church, so I was delighted to find the chapel restoration alongside. Known as the ‘House of Candles’, the tiny space is exquisite. Ceiling paintings dating from 1760 had been damaged by smoke from the candle offerings but were restored when the modern building was constructed. The wall panels depicting the Passion of Christ are from a later date.
Ceiling paintings from 1760
I love the contrast of old and new. Time to come back down to earth and begin our stroll. I would not recommend climbing the steps to Nossa Senhora. Doing so carrying the saint must be quite an ordeal. Unless it’s Easter, there’s ample parking up there.
Leaving the Sanctuary behind
The streets below are made for strolling. Tile patterns beneath your feet enhance your wander.
The pedestrianised streets of the centre
The excellent website Loulé Uncovered will guide you around Loulé better than I could ever hope to do. There you will find a map and suggestions of what you can hope to see. On Saturday mornings the market will be in full swing. At most other times you will still be treated to the splendour of the Arabian style market hall. Poke your nose inside. The sights and smells will capture your senses.
The main street and the Arabian market
Loulé Castle dates from 13th century and still retains its imposing walls and a keep. Artisans practise their crafts in the surrounding streets. Follow them through to the Largo da Matriz and the main church of Loulé, Igreja de S. Clemente. The procession will pass by here on Festa Grande. A small garden, Jardim dos Amuados (Garden of Sulks) nestles behind the church. The view sweeps out across the valley and there on the hill, Nossa Senhora da Piedade.
Click on the gallery and we’ll stroll
I hope that you found Loulé interesting. I was so glad I finally made it up that hill. My L is for Loule has a few more details, including some lively Carnival scenes.
Next week my walk will bring me nearer home. I would love it if you could join me there.
How to join in with the walks? Click on the logo or my Jo’s Monday walk page for the details. Thank you so much to all my contributors. You brighten up my Mondays. Let’s get that kettle on and settle back for a good read, shall we?
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Sit beside the fire in a cosy armchair with Drake. Or party at magnificent St. George Hall! :
Debbie’s found another intriguing canal in the city(with street art!) :
I asked Esther for a walking song and this is what I got! Applaud the lady!
Amy has such fun on her Sunday walks. You have to join her!
Geoff’s been checking up on street art too, including the famous Stik :
What can you say about Yvette? A heart of gold comes to mind :
Please welcome Becky everybody. She likes to spend some of her Winter on the Algarve, and enjoys bird watching :
Not so fortunate, Violet Sky joins us again with some seriously depressing weather :
Japan has a culture all its own, and I’m enjoying learning about it with the Eternal Traveller :
And lastly, a riverside walk beside the Exe, with lovely Gilly (and her dogs) :
I’m nearly ready to head off out now. Hope you all have a wonderful week and can make time for a walk or two.
restlessjo 
What gorgeous artwork, Jo. I’d love to visit for my Easter services. Loulé is fascinating and just beautiful. 🙂
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It would be an incredible experience I think, Debbie 🙂 It’s a quiet one at home for us this year.
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Beauty in a restaurant. LOVE HER!
“Tile patterns…enhance your wander.” Poetic. You have a way with the words, Jo. Lovely.
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She had a couple of companions too, Gem. 🙂 It was just a little cafe but in the niches in the stone walls were the loveliest figures. Never know what you might find, do you? Thanks for the kind words, Gem. Sending hugs :).
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Hugs in return.
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Wow Jo, quite the experience you gave us with this one! Looks gorgeous. Love the patterned streets too. Thanks for sharing!
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Happy to have you come strolling, Tina. I was kind this time and didn’t make you climb that hill 🙂
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I very much enjoyed Loule, Jo. Thank you for the walk, info, and wonderful photos. 🌞
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Fantastic, Jet! 🙂 Thank you for being great company.
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Amazing, amazing photos.
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Really happy you like them. Thank you! 🙂
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So glad that the artwork was restored, and exquisite it is indeed, just beautiful. The older part of the chapel reminds me of those we saw in Crete. Quite a climb I imagine, but well worth it, and then the gorgeous market below. Loule is very interesting indeed, another fascinating walk, thank you Jo for letting me tag along as usual, albeit it a little late…as usual… 🙂
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I love latecomers, Sherri! Gives me chance to get my breath back 🙂 I did suggest to Mick we climb those steps , or at least go down them to look at the San Francisco church below. He wasn’t having any of that because the car was parked up top and we were on our way to watch the Carnival parade. 🙂
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You know I’ll always make it over here Jo, wouldn’t miss it 🙂 It was good there was parking up there…and a great view!
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My favourite bit of that is the ceiling paintings. I’ve been for a walk round New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde.
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Mine too, Anabel 🙂 I saw your link before the comment and that’s a walk I’m definitely looking forward to. That and Water of Leith have been on my list for a while. Many thanks 🙂
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Spiffing perspectives Jo. I love the “looking down” and the one with the market. With Spring coming your crowd of walkers is getting bigger and bigger 😀 Bless….
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Hi Paula 🙂 So glad to see you on here. I’ve been so worried about you, in a helpless sort of way. I’m just back from an ‘unintentional’ walk. 🙂 We went to Durham to do a few jobs and a stroll by the river. The sun came out as we were about to head home and I remembered a walk my friend who lives there had suggested. (involving ‘wicker’ people 🙂 ) Worn out now 🙂 🙂 Thanks for your company, hon, and please take care of yourself.
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What a great place Jo – the Arabian market sounds great…thank you for my stroll!
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It has lots of interesting nooks and crannies, Sue. I think you’d like it 🙂
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I think I would!
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What an amazing little town you’ve discovered Jo. I am loving those intricate tiled alleys and the fact that there is a Garden of Sulks hidden somewhere in Loulé. Hoping the garden is for getting rid of them rather than propagating them!
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The sky was so heavy that day, I was a bit full of sulks myself, Atreyee 🙂 Isn’t it just the best name for a garden? The situation is perfect too. It’s definitely a town with character.
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Looks and sounds like an interesting town – did those ominous grey skies ever open up on you?
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It was the day we went for the Carnival parade and just after 3pm, when the girls were busy shimmying, the skies opened! Everyone ran for shelter, and 5 mins later when it stopped, back onto the streets again. No dampened enthusiasm 🙂
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What a lovely walk Jo. The town is very interesting and a lot of history. Am glad they are restoring the old church.
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It must once have been quite lonely up there on the hill, Bebs, before they built the dome. They make an interesting contrast. 🙂
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Great picture looking up to the bell tower! Wonderful walk Jo!
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It was such an interesting construction, Nicole! Side by side the old and new. I loved it 🙂 Thank you!
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Third attempt at this comment – keeps disappearing. What a lovely varied stroll. You seem to have an inexhaustible supply of variety and loveliness. I love the photos, especially the leaving-the-chapel one, and also relish your background information.
Can I join you next week with a beach walk https://morselsandscraps3.wordpress.com/2015/03/23/eurobodalla-beaches-yabbara-beach/
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Oh, yes please! 🙂 Where are you off to and why do I keep disappearing? I do seek far and wide, Meg 🙂 This was intended as a Thursday’s Special on Mae Soberana for Paula, but it morphed 😦
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I don’t mind morphs: I still got to read it.
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So much beauty in this post Jo! The white dome and bell tower against the grey sky, the gorgeous ceiling paintings, and the colorful street scenes that draw me right in! I love your world Jo! Thank you for sharing it with me.
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It’s fantastic that we can share it, Lisa, from so far apart. Thank you for the joy of your company. 🙂
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Really fascinating scenes, Jo. I love that ‘Onlooker’ sculpture, and also the ‘Beauty’ in the restaurant. The ‘faded grandeur’ is still really gorgeous. Might not look so interesting if it had a lick of paint. 🙂
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It’s one of those places where you can have a good mooch and always find something interesting, Ad. 🙂
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What a lovely walk, so much to see and I want to see it all. Your photos are fab, this is one of my favourite posts of yours ❤
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Wait till you get to Barcelona, Gilly!!! Won’t be long 🙂 Thanks so much. Loule really is an interesting place for a mooch and the chapel was entirely new to me.
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What a fascinating place you have taken us Jo. The ceiling paintings are extraordinary.
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I was astounded too, Sue. I had no idea the little chapel was there and the domed building was quite sterile.
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This place is ethereal! And I enjoyed reading from all those amazing contributors as well.
Thank you for sharing quality content – as usual 🙂
Hiba
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Thanks for staying with me all this time 🙂 I enjoy sharing the walks. Keeps me on my toes from the ‘competition’ 🙂
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