The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré is the dominant building of the upper town (Sítio), a large 17th-century church that draws pilgrims from across Portugal and Brazil. The interior is covered in azulejo tile panels depicting the miraculous legend of the Virgin's apparition, and the ornate baroque decoration is more exuberant than the usual Portuguese parish church. The square in front of the sanctuary has sweeping views down to the lower town and beach.
The sanctuary is an active pilgrimage site, especially around September 8th (the feast of Our Lady of Nazaré), when processions fill the clifftop square. The atmosphere is notably different from a standard tourist church — people come here to pray, not just to look.