Church of Our Lady of Consolation and the Holy Stairs - Guimarães

The origins of the church date back to a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Consolation, built in March 1576.

The new church was completed in October 1785, an example of Baroque spatiality in Guimarães. A century later, two towers were added to the front, as well as the staircase and the balustrade. In the 19th century, the Casa do Despacho and the chapel of Senhor dos Passos , which are attached to the church, were built.

The cult of Our Lady of Consolation led to the canonical foundation of the Brotherhood in December 1594 by Brother Agostinho de Jesus. In 1878 it was honored by King Luís I with the title of Royal Brotherhood and the privileges of a Royal Chapel.

Inside, the church is filled with fourteen framed mother-of-pearl paintings depicting the Way of the Cross in 18th-century French polychrome engravings. There is also a processional banner painted by the Swiss artist Auguste Roquemont. The altarpiece and podium were made by the master sculptor José António da Cunha. The two statues flanking the main staircase represent James the Great and Saint Bartholomew .

Willem Vandenameele