The historic Nossa Senhora da Aflição (Our Lady of Sorrows) Church in Branzelo, Gondomar, is undergoing a major rehabilitation project following the devastating wildfires of 2024 that severely damaged the building and surrounding areas.
The initiative is led through a partnership between the Ismaili Imamat, Gondomar City Council, the local parish of Melres and Medas, and the property’s royal family. The project has been recognized as a powerful symbol of interfaith cooperation and community solidarity, highlighting the shared responsibility of preserving cultural and spiritual heritage.
Prince Amyn Aga Khan emphasized that the rehabilitation effort goes beyond restoring the physical structure of the church, noting that it represents the preservation of collective heritage, the reaffirmation of common values, and the strengthening of social bonds.
The Nossa Senhora da Aflição Church, centuries old and deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual identity of the local community, was left nearly destroyed after the fires, with only cracked walls standing as a reminder of its history. The local community, inspired by devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, has been closely involved in efforts to restore this important landmark.
Through the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, technical expertise and sustainable practices are being introduced in collaboration with local and national partners. This reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage, while reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the Ismaili Imamat and Portugal, as well as the enduring relationship with the Catholic Church built upon values of compassion, service, and unity.
