Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação is a hilltop sanctuary on the eastern side of Leiria, opposite the hill of Leiria Castle.
Its monumental stairway, church façade and Marian details give you a chance to see a historic religious site as part of a visit to the city. It is about a 19-minute walk from Hotel Leiriense, which offers two-star rooms.
- Setting: Monte de São Gabriel, on the eastern side of Leiria.
- Approach: A monumental stairway with 162 steps.
- Visiting hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00–14:00; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 09:00–18:00.
- Sunday Mass: 21:30 at Igreja Nossa Senhora da Encarnação.
The sanctuary’s setting above Leiria
The sanctuary occupies Monte de São Gabriel, across from the hill crowned by Leiria Castle. Its elevated position makes the approach part of the visit, with the church set above the city. The address is Rua de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, 2410-143 Leiria.
The municipality describes a chapel dedicated to Saint Gabriel at the site before the present sanctuary. Tradition connects the construction of the sanctuary with a miracle in 1588. Its monumental stairway dates to the 18th century and has 162 steps. The building is classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público.
How do you reach the sanctuary?
You can walk from central Leiria or travel by car to the sanctuary’s address. The stairway provides the final approach to the church.
If you’re planning a fuller city visit, the sanctuary can fit into a one-day itinerary in Leiria. The climb’s 162 steps are useful to factor into your timing, especially if you plan other stops on foot.
What can you see at the site?
The church façade has a seven-arched galilee, with the central arch rising above the others. A statue of Saint Gabriel stands above the entrance, making the exterior a clear focus as you arrive.
Inside, 17th-century polychrome tile panels and paintings relate to the life of the Virgin Mary. The image of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação is on the high altar. The sanctuary’s annual feast is held on 15 August.
For another way to take in the city’s streets and landmarks, you can combine the visit with a walk through central Leiria.
Visitor and worship access
The Leiria tourism board publishes visiting hours of Monday to Friday, 09:00–14:00, and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 09:00–18:00. The parish publishes Sunday Mass at 21:30 at Igreja Nossa Senhora da Encarnação.
Hours and worship schedules can change, so check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Where is Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação?
It stands on Monte de São Gabriel on the eastern side of Leiria, opposite the hill of Leiria Castle. Its address is Rua de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, 2410-143 Leiria.
How many steps lead to the sanctuary?
The monumental stairway has 162 steps and was built in the 18th century.
When is the annual feast?
The sanctuary’s annual feast is held on 15 August.