Monument to Vasco da Gama

In 1939, it was placed in Sítio, near the Memory Point and the Chapel, a commemorative monument of the visit of the Admiral Vasco da Gama to Nazaré.

According to tradition the brave navigator, before embarking on the discovery of the sea route to India, came as a pilgrim to Our Lady of Nazaré. Here he invoked Her protection and exchanged the thick gold chain that he had for the bead necklace of the Virgin.

It is said that at the passing of the Cape of Good Hopes (at the time know as Cape of Storms) a great storm arose, endangering boats and men, so the Admiral threw the Lady's necklace into the waters, which soon calmed down.

After his return to Portugal, D. Vasco da Gama returned to Sitio da Nazaré, as a pilgrim, to thank the Virgin for the graces received, offering Her a precious robe.