Geres, São Bento da Porta Aberta - Portugal HD

Between the mountains of the Gerês, place of the most prosperous fauna and flora in Portugal, and of the abundant waters of the Caniçada, stands one of the greatest religious phenomena of Portugal. The Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta is the second largest Portuguese sanctuary and attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually. Planted in the heart of Minho, it is a preferred place of worship for the founder of the Benedictines. The Sanctuary of São Bento da Porta Aberta is a Portuguese Catholic shrine, located in the parish of Rio Caldo, in Terras de Bouro. It had its origin in 1615, with the construction of a small hermitage. The current sanctuary is from the late nineteenth century. Its reconstruction began in 1880 and was completed in 1895. The designation of St Benedict of the Open Door is due to the fact that the hermitage always has its doors open, serving as shelter for travelers. The shrine was raised to the smaller basilica by Pope Francis on March 21, 2015 in commemoration of its 400 years of existence. The Sisterhood of S. Bento da Porta Aberta is preparing an application for the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The shrine has as patron Saint Benedict of Núrsia. See also these nearby places: Abbey Bom Jesus do Monte Sameiro Mixões da Serra