Santuário de Santa Luzia

Entrance of the church. Vrielinkie (Atlas Obscura User)

There are many good reasons to visit Viana’s eucalyptus-clad hill. The location offers an amazing view down the coast and up the Lima valley, along with a tram ride up the mountain. However, perhaps the most important feature of the hill is the 20th-century, neo-Byzantine Santuário de Santa Luzia.

The temple honors Santa Luzia (Saint Lucy), the Patron Saint of Sight. The people of Viana still climb to the top on Sundays closest to the date of the Sacred Heart of Jesus’s celebrations.

Architecturally, the building has a Greek cross plan of Byzantine influence. This can be seen in the massive dome located in the center of the building, as well as in the smaller domes that stand on the four towers.

Viewable from miles away, this church is an undeniable landmark in the region.

Know Before You Go

You can get up the mountain by the restored funicular, which departs from near the train station every 15 minutes.

You can also drive or take a taxi to the top, or hike 2 kilometers of steps (only for the fit and/or penitent). The road starts by the hospital, and the steps begin about 200 meters up the road.

Atlas Obscura Trips