Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy - Tomar

A 14th-century sanctuary on the outskirts of the city.

The Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy - former Chapel of Our Lady of the Hill - was built in 1397 by the governor of Óbidos, a village where the Virgin is a patron saint and recipient of particular worship, and is built on a hill opposite the Castle of Tomar and the Convent of Christ.

The interior of the temple is accessed by an ogival door, preceded by a porch supported by Tuscan pillars that extends to the side facades. The image of the patroness, to which numerous miracles are attributed, is framed by an altar in rustic carving. The walls are decorated with panels of seismic tiles, of a geometric pattern.

The building features several elements of Gothic architecture, which blend in with other Mannerist elements, resulting from subsequent modifications. In 1613, during the Philippine era, the chapel was restored and modified by the people's judge, Bernardo Ortiz Ochoa. In the 19th century, between 1846 and 1862, the monumental staircase was built with 292 steps by which it ascends to the summit and plays an important role in the celebration of Our Lady of Mercy.

The cult is celebrated annually on September 8 and has as its climax a procession that carries the image of the Virgin of Mercy, from the church of St. John the Baptist to this chapel, climbing the steep staircase.