El Coro de San Marco
en
España y Portugal
2001

15 de Junio 2001 - 25 de junio 2001

 

The origins of Bom Jesus do Monte go back to the early 14th century when a cross was placed on the mountain in thanks for a battle victory. This was followed by a small church.

A general perspective of the Sanctuary from a drawing by Carlos Amarante is at the left. (picture scanned from a tour book)
Little by little, the idea of transforming the small church of the Holy Cross of Monte Espinho into a grand monument honouring the Passion of Christ began to take shape. (picture scanned from a tour book)

From 1629 to 1722, a steep and sinous path developed and, on its borders, niche shaped chapels were built to remind the pilgrims of the various steps of the way of Calvary.

Martha is climbing one of the series of steps.

From 1722 on, an imposing plan was projected and undertaken, which resulted in the present “Sanctuary” of Bom Jesus do Monte.

Ron climbed the Via Dolorosa barefoot — not as a sign of penience but rather because of blisters. His shoes were tied to his belt in the middle of his back and he “kicked himself in the ass all the way up” as a member of the party was heard to say.
The purpose was to recover and re-edify, in Braga, the city of Jerusalem, so that the Christians who could not travel to Palestine, would come here for their pilgrimage to the holy places, to relive the scenes of the Passion of the Lord.
Fountains along the way provide the Pilgrim with a symbolical opportunity to drink the “waters of life” flowing from the martyred body of Christ.

The stairway of the Five Senses leads up to a spacious courtyard and then to the stairway of the Three Virtues.

All of this can be recognized as a huge chalice when viewed from the air.
Exterior of one of the Chapels.
Life-size representation in the Chapel of the Crucifixion.
Life-size representation in the Chapel of the Descent from the Cross.
The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte does not merely provide a representation of the 14 scenes of the traditional Via Dolorosa, but represents the whole Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ.