The Santuário de Santa Luzia is the majestic icon of Viana do Castelo that dominates the skyline of the city. This wondrous structure, inspired by Byzantine architecture with flurries of Gothic elements, is like no other religious building in Portugal, in part because it is less than 80 years old.

As well as being a magnificent monument, the Santuário de Santa Luzia complex is also an outstanding tourist attraction. There’s a quaint funicular that climbs the steep hill, at the summit there are spectacular views, the interior of the church is beautifully decorated, and tourists can even traverse the hidden interior to reach the top of the domed roof. This article will provide a tourist guide to the Santuário de Santa Luzia and includes an image tour of a typical visit.

• Templo Monumento de Santa Luzia church entrance fee - free
• Santuário de Santa Luzia viewing platform (top of dome) - €2 (adult)
• Elevador Santa Luzia Funicular - €2/€3 (single/return)
• Funicular terminal in Viana do Castelo - GPS 41.69684, -8.83033
• Santuário de Santa Luzia opening times 08:00-19:00 (summer) 8:00-17:00 (winter)
• Best times to visit - 8:00-10:00 (before the crowds or stifling summer heat)
• Daily Mass at 16:00 (in Portuguese) Sunday service (11:00 and 16:00) - for more info please see http://www.templosantaluzia.org (link opens in a new tab)

Please note: The climb to the top of the dome is only suitable for fit people who have no issues with heights or enclosed spaces.

The Gothic styling of the Santa Luzia suggests a longer history than it actually has; it was only commissioned in 1904 and fully completed in 1943. Interestingly, the first religious service held in the church was seventeen years before the final completion.

From the centre of Viana do Castelo it's 250m up to the Monte de Santa Luzia and the Santuário de Santa Luzia. There is a path of 660 steps but we would recommend the Elevador Santa Luzia Funicular (at least for going up).

The Elevador Santa Luzia Funicular eliminates a tough uphill walk

Before rushing into the Santuário de Santa Luzia, we suggest walking around the exterior of the church and admiring the stunning views. These views are amazing, looking east along the Lima River valley, south over the city, or west over the rugged coastline and Atlantic Ocean. On the lower terrace is a useful info-picture, which details all of the sights of the city.

The views from the top of the Monte de Santa Luzia

Outside the funicular station there is a selection of cafes and gift shops; a coffee could be good to boost energy as there are a lot of steps to climb. The entrance to the main chamber of the Santuário de Santa Luzia is on the southern side, while the dome entrance is on the east (side closest to the funicular).

The eastern rose window and the high-rise dome, soon to be climbed…

First visit the church, as it contains a beautiful interior and provides an appreciation of how high the dome actually is. The actual floor area of the church is surprisingly small and unlike many traditional Gothic religious buildings, it is light and bright. The large amount of natural light flows through the two huge rose windows (these are the largest rose windows in the Iberian Peninsula).

Narrow steps and dark surrounds

Next visit the domed roof and the wonderful view, but it is a challenge (and €2) to get there. The ascent has similarities to a mouse scuttling through the hidden spaces in a house; there are narrow gaps to squeeze through and precarious climbs, which pass the inner workings of the church.

The final climb to the top of the roof

At the top appreciate the outstanding views over the entire region

The view over the slow flowing Lima River

A visit to the Monte de Santa Luzia could easily be extended by visiting the extensive Roman ruins or having a relaxing drink in the exclusive Pousada Viana do Castelo hotel.

The exclusive Pousada Viana do Castelo, which was originally the Hotel Santa Luzia