Pilgrimage site Santa Luzia - Viana do Castelo

It is in this place, at the back of the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Templo de Santa Luzia) in Viana do Castelo, that the religious faith attracts both locals and outsiders, seeking the protection of Santa Luzia against the evil that befalls the eyes.

The legend of Santa Luzia (Luzia of Syracuse) tells that this young Italian woman, venerated by Catholics, was persecuted for being a Christian. According to the legend , she preferred to have his eyes gouged out rather than deny his faith in Christ . It is said that the eyes of Saint Luzia were plucked out by a soldier on the orders of the Roman emperor and given to the young woman on a plate. At the same time, two beautiful eyes appeared on Luzia's face, more beautiful than the previous one. It was December 13, 304. From this date, the devotion to Santa Luzia began.

Willem Vandenameele