A Virxe do Porto hermitage
Small chapel for seafaring devotion
A Virxe do Porto hermitage, also known as A Virxe do Porto or Nosa Señora do Mar, is a small, white-walled chapel standing on a rocky islet on the cliffs of Valdoviño, very close to A Frouxeira beach. From its privileged location, the hermitage offers spectacular panoramic views of the coast, the cliffs and the nearby Punta Frouxeira lighthouse.
The most unique feature of this hermitage is its accessibility, as it can only be reached on foot at low tide, walking over the rocks from O Porto beach. Local legend has it that sailors decided to build the temple here after repeatedly finding a sculpture of the Virgin Mary returning to the rocks after being taken ashore. A popular pilgrimage is held every 11 July, bringing together numerous faithful to honour their patron saint, a symbol of protection and devotion for the people of the sea.
